Cyst nematodes in Mexico, Central and South America

Abstract

Although geographically a part of North America, Mexico has been included together with Central and South America in this discussion of cyst nematodes because its agricultural and cultural conditions, as well as its climate, are more similar to the latter regions than to the rest of the North American continent. Most of the countries in the group are located from approximately 30 degrees N to 60 degrees S and, consequently, are considered tropical and have warm weather. However, the high elevation of the Andes in South America and the mountain ranges of Central America and Mexico provide cold areas appropriate for growing potatoes, grains and other temperate crops. Thus in such areas the range of climate conditions allows many species of cyst nematodes to exist and populations may increase to levels which cause damage to crops.