Authors : I. Umar and D. Chubado
Abstract: A field survey was carried out between 2005 and 2007 at the Benue valley for plant �parasitic nematodes. The area lies between latitude 7 and 110 N and longitude 11 and 140E. It is also within the northern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria with annual rainfall between 700-1600 mm.The area is mostly cultivated for vegetables such as onion, pepper, cabbage and cerals such sorghum. Soil and plants were analysed for nematodes. The results from soil analysis and perineal patterns reveals the presence of six genera namely- Meloidogyne sp. (M. javanica and M. incognita), Pratylenchus sp., Helicotylenchus sp., Longidorus sp. and Scutellonema sp. Weeds such as Vernona and Polygonum were also found to be infected by these nematodes. The result also indicated that Meloidogyne sp. were the most widespread. The heavy population of nematodes affects vegetable production in the area and hence there is need to step up control measures.
I. Umar and D. Chubado , 2008. Survey of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in the Benue Valley of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 3: 353-356.