Diversity of Nematodes on Banana (Musa Spp.) In Kenya Linked to Altitude and with a Focus on the Pathogenicity of Pratylenchus Goodeyi
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Date
2022
Authors
NYANG’AU, Douglas
ATANDI, Janet
CORTADA, Laura
NCHORE, Shem
MWANGI, Maina
COYNE, Danny
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Brill
Abstract
Bananas (Musa spp.) are considered the most important fruit crop in Kenya, grown mostly by smallholder farmers.
However, in the past two decades production has declined and has largely been attributed to plant pathogens, including plant-parasitic
nematodes. To assess the understanding and awareness that banana farmers have of nematodes, a survey was conducted. The incidence,
abundance and distribution of nematodes in relation to altitude were determined for different banana types on 180 farms and the
pathogenicity of Pratylenchus goodeyi, originating from three different altitudinal locations, was compared on two banana cultivars.
Just 2.3% of farmers were aware of nematode damage and symptoms, none of whom applied any management measures. The highest
abundance of nematodes was recorded at an altitude range of 1601-2000 m a.s.l., with Pratylenchus, Meloidogyne and Helicotylenchus
being the predominant genera. Across all altitudinal locations, cooking banana had higher densities of nematodes than dessert bananas.
In pots, P. goodeyi populations from Embu (1300 m a.s.l.) appeared more aggressive and with higher levels of multiplication than
the population from Oyugis (1100 m a.s.l.). Cooking banana (‘Ng’ombe’) was more susceptible than dessert banana (‘Sukari Ndizi’).
Nematode damage is more prominent in areas at higher altitude and on cooking banana cultivars. The findings provide key information
in guiding informed and suitable management decision thresholds in relation to potential climate change.
Description
article
Keywords
climate adaptation, East African Highland banana, Helicotylenchus, Meloidogyne, nematode survey, smallholder farmers, yield loss
Citation
Nyang’au, D., Atandi, J., Cortada, L., Nchore, S., Mwangi, M., & Coyne, D. (2021). Diversity of nematodes on banana (Musa spp.) in Kenya linked to altitude and with a focus on the pathogenicity of Pratylenchus goodeyi. Nematology, 24(2), 137-147.