Contents

The Bananas of Upland East Africa - Banana Nematodes

Although it possibly is the most important pest of bananas in the Kagera Region, the role of the nematode Pratylenchus goodeyi was unrecognised by the farmers and the village level technical assistants, "Bwana Shambas", of the Agriculture Department were little better informed. WALKER et al. (1983), or specifically the nematode expert, John Bridge, were the first to recognise the significance of the species.
The following photographs can be clicked for a larger photograph.
The most common symptom when the bananas are reasonably well-nourished is the toppling of mature or near-mature plants
Caution, however, is necessary, as heavy storms can also lead to the toppling of mature plants.

When nematode-infested toppled plants are examined it becomes obvious that the root system has rotted away.

If the roots are longitudinally split the nematode infested areas, the peripheral layers, can be seen. When fresh the infested areas also have a distinct purplish colour.

Contents References

©2000 - Brian Taylor CBiol FIBiol FRES
11, Grazingfield, Wilford, Nottingham, NG11 7FN, U.K.
Visiting Academic in the Department of Life Science, University of Nottingham

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