International Journal of Pest Management (2001) 47, 201-205

R. Fogain (2001)
Nematodes and weevil of bananas and plantains in Cameroon: occurrence, importance and host susceptibility
International Journal of Pest Management 47 (3), 201-205
Abstract: A survey was conducted from 1994 to 1996 in all the banana and plantain production zones of Cameroon, to assess the spread and the distribution of the two most important nematode species (Radopholus similis Cobb and Pratylenchus goodeyi Sher and Allen and the borer weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus Germar). Samples were taken both in commercial plantations (31 samples) and in small-scale plantations (177 samples). Host susceptibility studies were also carried out to compare the susceptibility of plantain (triploid Musa, AAB) to dessert banana (triploid Musa, AAA) to these pests. Results indicated that most of the plantations are infested by nematodes and the weevil. R. similis is present in the majority of the plantations situated at elevation below 700 m in the Littoral, Centre, South and South-West provinces. In contrast, R. similis was recovered from less than 25% of the samples collected in the East (650-800 m asl). Above 1000 m, R. similis is seldom found and P. goodeyi is the dominant species. The banana borer weevil was encountered in all the banana and plantain production zones. Root damage caused by the nematode complex is variable with more than 50% of the plantations showing severe root necroses in some areas. The highest root lesion indices are found in areas infested by R. similis. The damage to corms caused by C. sordidus is very severe in small-scale plantations. No significant difference was found between French Sombre (plantain, AAB), Grande Naine (Cavendish, AAA) and Banane Cochon (Lujugira, AAA) in their susceptibility levels to R. similis and P. goodeyi. Yangambi Km5 showed a good level of resistance to R. similis, P. goodeyi and C. sordidus.
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Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
surveys/sampling/distribution
resistance/tolerance/defence of host

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Cosmopolites sordidus	Banana/plantain (Musa)	Cameroon
	Radopholus similis	Banana/plantain (Musa)	Cameroon
	Pratylenchus goodeyi	Banana/plantain (Musa)	Cameroon