Infestation of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) on two flower plants of new introduction: Calendula officinalis L. and Paeonia lactiflora Pall.

Infestation of root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita on Calendula officinalis and M. hapla on Paeonia lactiflora, two flower plants of new introduction in Campania, have been for the first time in Italy. The determination of the species was based on perineal patterns and on the ratio between the distance from the cephalic area end to excretory pore and stylet length (EP/St). The infestations cause damage of tolerable entity on marigold, the most serious on peony. For both species have been also reported major bioecological data particularly relevant for the times and modality of nematodes control.