Density, diversity and damage of plant by parasitic nematodes in some Musa plantations in Moungo, Littoral region of Cameroon

Parasitic nematodes of banana and plantain (Musa spp.) cause losses in crop production and productivity, although most smallholder farmers are unaware of their existence. Knowledge on their species diversity and damage intensity are key to inform effective integrated management strategies. Our main objective was to characterise the parasitic nematodes invading the Musa plant in the studied sites. By using the modified Baermann method, six predominant nematode species were identified and extracted across smallholder backyard, commercial plantation and experimental production systems of the Moungo region. These species were: Radopholus similis, Meloidogyne spp., Helicotylenchus multicinctus, Pratylenchus spp., Hoplolaimus pararobustus and Rotylenchulus reniformis. The density and level of damage was highest in the smallholder backyard with mixed crops compared to the commercial plantation and research production with mono-cropping systems. This was related to the fact that the latter two production systems use integrated nematode control strategies. However, the existence of a complex diversity of nematodes across all the production systems suggest the emergence of resistance to commonly used nematicides or the persistence of migratory endoparasites in the soils of the studied area. Future investigations should focus on effective control measures with accent to detecting resistant species to single or combined nematode management strategies.