Research Article · FIAR-2026-0201
Field Symptoms and Microscopic Observations of Meloidogyne spp. Associated with Brinjal Decline in Jhansi District, India
1,2Department of Zoology, Bipin Bihari P.G. College, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India; affiliated to Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Anand Kumar Singh ORCID: 0009-0007-4267-7609 · Corresponding author: sengar.manvendra@gmail.com
Abstract
Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are obligate root endoparasites whose field symptoms often mimic drought, nutrient deficiency, or fungal wilt, complicating accurate diagnosis. This study examines three geo-tagged field photographs and four microscopic images associated with brinjal (Solanum melongena) decline in Jhansi District, Uttar Pradesh, India. Field observations recorded at Nohatachhir on 13 March 2026 and Dani Pura on 28 September 2026 revealed severe canopy desiccation, lower-leaf chlorosis, and marginal necrosis across affected crops. Microscopic examination of root tissue recovered from symptomatic plants confirmed the presence of swollen, ovoid to pear-shaped female bodies with distinct projecting necks, morphological features characteristic of adult Meloidogyne species. These findings support Meloidogyne spp. as a likely contributor to brinjal decline in the region and highlight the value of combining field observations with microscopic diagnostics.
Keywords
Solanum melongena; Meloidogyne spp.; adult females; light microscopy; Jhansi
How to cite this article
Singh, A. K., & Sengar, M. S. (2026). Field symptoms and microscopic observations of Meloidogyne spp. associated with brinjal decline in Jhansi District, India. Frontiers of Integrated Academic Research, 1(2), 1–6. https://fiarjournal.in/article/fiar-2026-0201