Nematological Reviews: Helicotylenchus multicinctus on Bananas: An International Problem

Abstract

The spiral nematode, Helicotylenchus multicinctus (Cobb) Golden, is widely distributed on bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) throughout the world. Although local damage is common throughout the tropics, losses and damage from this nematode are most serious in locations where Radopholus similis (Cobb) Thorne is absent, particularly in subtropical areas considered suboptimal for banana production. The nematode feeds within the outer layers of the root cortex, causing characteristic lesions, progressive root deterioration, toppling, and reduced yields, which ultimately bring about the rapid decline of plantations. The most common method of managing H. multicinctus on bananas and plantains has been through periodic application of nematicides, but performance and efficacy have varied, depending on a variety of factors. The nematode is readily spread to new locations on planting material, but spread can be retarded or prevented by paring, hot water, or chemical treatment of planting materia