Parasitic nematode populations associated with developmental stages of mango in production regions of Ghana

Abstract

Nematode (Phylum nematoda) infestation is a major set back in mango (Mangifera indica) production world-wide. Control of nematodes requires understanding of their diversity, distribution and population densities. The objective of this study was to identify plant-parasitic nematodes associated with mangoes and their population densities at seedling and maturity stages in production regions of Ghana. The study was conducted in Greater Accra (Manya and Klagon) and the Eastern region (Somanya) during December 2016 to January 2018. Mango farmlands were surveyed for soil and root samples, from which nematodes were extracted, identified and quantified. Twenty-four nematode genera were identified in mango seedlings and matured trees from Somanya; and 14 genera dentified in seedlings and 22 in matured trees from Manya; while at Klagon, 15 nematode genera were identified in matured trees. Helicotylenchus spp. were the most populated in seedlings obtained from Somanya and Manya, with relative abundance of 23.29%. Tylenchus spp. had the highest population in mature trees, with relative abundance of 24.49% at Somanya and 38.86% at Manya; while Helicotylenchus spp. had the highest relative abundance of 43.96% at Klagon. Mature trees had higher nematode population densities, compared to seedlings. There were significant variation in nematode populations between seedlings and matured stages of mango.