Populations of phyto-parasitic nematodes on groundnut (arachis hypogeal) cultivated fields in Egbolom, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was aimed at assaying soil and roots to determine the populations of phyto-parasitic nematodes associated with groundnut in Egbolom. Three groundnut fields monoculture designated site F1-F3 were randomly selected for the study. The soil was collected between 6-7:30 a.m. each day once a week in four mouths. Twenty-five soil and Twenty-five roots were collected from each groundnut field making a total of one hundred and fifty samples. The soil was collected using a hand trowel while a kitchen knife was used to collect roots. The sieve plats technique was employed for nematode extraction, and nematodes were identified by the use of a pictorial key. A total of 650 nematodes representing 11 genera were recovered from soil and root samples. Meloidogyne species 73 (16.3%) had the highest prevalence followed by Helicotylenchus species 65(14.5%) while Tylenchus species 2 (0.4%) showed the least prevalence in soil. However, Pratylenchus species was reported more often than any other species in roots with a total affluence of 51 (25.2%) followed by Meloidogyne species with 44 (21.8%) while Tylenchus species occur less than all other species with 10 (5.0%); an observation which is ascribed to a nematodes survival strategy. The result shows that soil nematodes are important pest of groundnut in Egbolom and should be considered in pest control programs.