FIVE KNOWN NEMATODE SPECIES RECORDED FROM BANANA IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

During the year 1990-92 many surveys of banana orchards in Thatta, Badin, Mirpursakro, Hyderabad and Karachi of Sindh were conducted and soil and root samples were collected. The analysis of these samples revealed the presence of a wide variety of soil nematodes in high population. A few of the species encountered were recorded earlier (Saeed & Ashrafi, 1973; Saeed et al., 1976; Saeed et al., 1979; Maqbool, 1984; Maqbool & Ghazala, 1984 and Anwar, 1991) from banana orchards and were found to be detrimental to crop production which include burrowing nematode (Radopholus similis), root knot nematode (Meloidogynesp.), spiral nematode (Helicotylenchus multicinctus) and reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis). In addition to these, five nematode species were recovered for the first time from banana field. These known species belong to spiral and stunt nematode viz., Helicotylenchus arachisi, H. falcatus, H. macronatus, Tylenchorhynchus brivilineatus and T. rosei. These species are recorded on banana for the first time in Pakistan.