CERATOCYSTIS PARADOXA AND HELICOTYLENCHUS MULTICINCTUS ASSOCIATED WITH ROOT SYSTEMS OF DECLINING BANANAS IN THE REPUBLICA DEMOCRATICA DE SÃO TOMÉ E PRINCIPE

Abstract

Stunting, poorly growing plants and poor yields, frequently observed in banana plantations during field inspections in the island of SÃO Tomé, were attributed to the decayed root systems. Laboratory examination of rhizomes, suckers and root tissues from declining plants revealed the presence of the spiral nematode Helicotylenchus multicinctus and the fungus Ceratocystis paradoxa.