Ecology and Pathogenicity of the Nematode Paralongidorus bullatus (Nemata: Longidoridae) in Semi-Arid Regions of West Africa

Abstract

Paralongidorus bullatus was found deep in sandy soils of Niger and Senegal in the Sahelian zone of West Africa. Laboratory studies showed that reproduction is favored by high soil temperatures (32-36C) and moderate soil moisture (7-11% water content). Males were found for the first time. Cowpea, millet, and peanut were good hosts, whereas sorghum was a poor host. Vermiform stages were not able to enter anhydrobiosis and the nematode probably survives the dry season in the egg stage or by migrating deep into the soil. Paralongidorus bullatus was pathogenic to the most important crops of these Sahelian countries (millet, peanut, and sorghum) and it is suspected to be a major pathogen of peanut in semi-arid regions of West Africa.