Evaluation of different soil types on multiplication of Pratylenchus coffeae and growth of banana seedlings var.

Abstract

The effect of different soil types (alluvial, sandy loam, silty clay, black soil, laterite and red soil) on the multiplication of Pratylenchus coffeae and growth of banana plants was studied. The results revealed that maximum shoot length, girth at collar, number of leaves, number of roots, root length and root weight were evident in alluvial soil followed by sandy loam soil, whereas minimum plant growth parameters was recorded in red soil. Maximum root-lesion index was observed in silty clay soil (4.4) and alluvial soil (4.2) whereas minimum infestation was observed in red soil (3.2). The reproduction factor of nematode population based upon root-lesions and final root and soil population was maximum in silty clay soil followed by alluvial while minimum nematode population was recorded in red soil. The multiple regression equations pertaining to the soil physico-chemical properties versus nematode populations in both soils and roots were derived.