Research Papers: Influence of Rainfall on Some Plantain Nematodes in Jamaica
Authors
D. G. Hutton
Keywords:
Musa, Population Dynamics, Reniform and Spiral Nematodes
Abstract
Ten genera of potentially important nematodes were associated with plantains on three holdings where the influence of rainfall on plaintain nematodes was investigated. Only Rotylenchulus reniformis and Helicotylenchus spp showed statistically significant responses to rainfall patterns. In heavy clay soils with high water retention, populations of these nematodes increased and decreased with the number of days and/or total rainfall but in a well drained clay loam, there were significant negative correlations between their populations and the number of days of rain and/or total rainfall, but after time lags in either situation. R. reniformis and H. multicinctus were able to maintain moderate to high soil populations under prolonged drought conditions. Populations of all the nematodes at one location decreased markedly after flood rains.
