Nematode problems in banana plantations (Musa spp.) in Brazil

Abstract

A survey on parasitic nematodes was carried out in several banana-growing regions of Brazil for a period of 4 years. It included 157 samples of roots and soil from the rizosphere of banana plants (Musa spp). The following percentual values of positive samples and population density were respectively obtained for the nematode species identified: Helicotylenchus dihystera (23.5%-272), Helicotylenchus multicinotus (80.2%-1770), Macroposthonia ornata (1.2%-122), Meloidogyne spp. (55.4%-725). Radopholus similis (43.3%-1326), Rotylenchulus reniformis (7-6%-225), and Tylenchus sp. (0.6%-114). H. multicinctus was the most abundant and widely spread species. R. similis was found only in areas where Cavendish banana plants have been grown, large populations being associated with remarkable parasitic symptoms. Meloidogyne spp. and H. dihystera have been widely distributed and probably promote economical damage. The still restricted distribution of R. simiLis suggests that strong control measures to be adopted, in order to avoid its dissemination throughout the country and to assure the protection of other crops which could be eventual hosts of this nematode.