Review: Some Considerations of Problems Associated with the Nematode Pests of Bananas.

Abstract

The importance of the principal nematode pests of dessert bananas is considered. Worldwide Radopholus similis is the most damaging species. The effect of nematodes on production is examined. It is apparent that damage is more severe in some localities possibly because of differences in virulence of R. similis but also because of varying soil and climatic factors. Rainfall will influence nematode populations, but other environmental and management factors should be considered simultaneously. At present, chemical control is the only realistic means of combating nematodes in such an intensive crop although breeding for nematode resistance should receive greater emphasis. Pre-planting treatments of banana corms are tedious and not always effective; the use of non-volatile nematicides in planting holes is the currently favored practice. Reviews of results using granular non-volatile nematicides and DBCP in established plantings are given. Future work should be directed towards refining me