The Inducement of Giant Cells By Meloidogyne Javanica

Giant cell development and maintenance in plants infected with Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) appear to depend on a continuous stimulus from the nematode, whose removal results in breakdown of the giant cell. Normal giant cell development takes place under sterile conditions. A growth promoting substance is present in galls but not in adjacent roots. These results are discussed in the light of earlier hypotheses on the mechanism of gall and giant cell formation.