Other Contributions: Plant Parasitic Nematodes from the Lowlands and Highlands of Ecuador

Abstract

Soil and root samples of 25 different crops were collected at numerous localities throughout the lowlands and highlands of Ecuador and examined for nematodes. Radopholus similis was the most abundant plant parasitic nematode of banana and caused root necrosis, toppling and reduced growth at all sites sampled. High root populations of Pratylenchus coffeae caused similar damage to abaca (Musa textilis). Meloidogyne incognita and M. hapla occurred commonly and were responsible for root galling of tomato, alfalfa, carrot, cucumber, lettuce, tree tomato, babaco and soybean. Heterodera pallida and Ditylenchus dipsaci were present in large numbers on potato and onions respectively in the highlands. Other nematodes frequently found in roots of many crops were Pratylenchus neglectus and Helicotylenchus spp.; Quinisulcius acti was commonly extracted from soils. Less frequently occurring nematodes included Pratylenchus penetrans, Criconemoides spp., Merlinius sp., Tylenchorhynchus sp., Hemicric