Additive interaction between a root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica and a root-feeding flea beetle Longitarsus bethae on their host Lantana camara.

Background: Changes in plants induced by one species have indirect effects on interactions with other species, thus shaping their abundances. The root-feeding beetle Longitarsus bethae released as a biological control agent for Lantana camara has established at a few sites in South Africa. Lantana camara plants infected with the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica often exhibit an increase in L.