Incidence OF Parasitic Nematodes in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) Rhizosphere Soil of Rainforest Vegetation in Rivers State, Nigeria

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN), despite the fact that they can drastically lower agricultural productivity, has been given little attention, necessitating this study which investigated their diversity in soil of rainforest vegetation. Soil samples were collected and used for a potted experiment which was laid out in a complete randomized design consisting of six treatments and five replicates at the Teaching and Research farm of the Rivers State University from January to April (Dry season) and April to July (Rainy season) 2024, to determine population of plant parasitic nematodes in rhizosphere soil planted with cowpea during the dry and rainy season. A total of five genera of plant parasitic nematodes namely: Meloidogyne spp, Helicotylenchus, Pratylenchus, Scutellonema, and Criconemella were extracted from soils and roots, and the nematodes genera followed the order Meloidogyne > Helicotylenchus > Criconemella > Pratylenchus > scutellonema for soils and roots respectively. Total nematode population in soils (140.9) was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than the population in the roots (21.5), and population counts were significantly higher in rainy season (116) than in dry season (46.4). The study highlighted the need for more diversity and management studies to mitigate the impacts of PPN on the future food security of the expanding populations of Nigeria.