PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK PEPPER (PIPER NIGRUM L) IN KERALA

Abstract

Fourteen genera of plant parasitic nematodes are associated with black pepper (Piper nigrum.), in nine major pepper growing districts of Kerala. Meloidogyne incognita, Radopholus similis, Trophotylenchulus piperis, Rotylenchulus reniformis and Helicotylenchulus sp, are the major nematode species associated with the crop, M. inognita is widely distributed in Calicut, Cannanore and Wynad -districts. R. slmilis is a major problem in Calicut, Cannanore and Idukki districts. In Quilon, Trivandrum and Wynad districts, the incidence of R. similis is low. T.piperisis also widely distributed in all the pepper growing areas in Kerala and its occurrence is high in" Idukki district. The concomitant infestation of M. incognita, R. similis and T. piperis in the roots of black pepper is high compared to their solitary infestation.