Burrowing Nematode of Banana
Radopholus similis
Banananematode
A destructive root nematode that causes mature plants to topple over in wind ("blowdown").
Symptoms
Reddish-black lesions on roots and toppling ("blowdown") of mature, fruiting plants due to root system destruction.
Favorable conditions
- •Infested planting material carrying nematodes into new fields
- •Continuous banana cultivation without rotation
Management
- 1Apply nematicide treatments where infestations are confirmed
- 2Hot-water treat planting material before establishing new fields
- 3Rotate or fallow infested land
- 4Plant resistant varieties where available
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