Vol. 14 No. 94-101 (2023): Identification of parasitic nematodes of Musa paradisiac a L . (plantain) in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Plantain, Musa paradisiaca L ., is a popular food in West African sub-regions, including

Nigeria, and a primary source of livelihood for a greater percentage of the people in Otuoke

community. Aside being food, the crop Musa paradisiaca L. has traditionally been used as

medicine. Its growth is hampered by soil nematodes. A survey to identify the endemic

nematode pest parasitizing plantain in Bayelsa State was conducted in Otuoke, one of the

plantains producing community in the state. Soil samples were randomly collected from the

root rhizosphere of a plantain mono-cultured farm of three hundred stands by the use of

hand trowel. Roots were also collected at the same time with soil using kitchen knife and

nematodes were extracted using the modified sieve plate technique and were identified to

genera level by means of nematode key. A total of 384 nematodes from 9 genera were

recovered. Among the 384 nematodes reported in this survey, 274 (71.4%) occurred in soil

and root tissues had 110 (28.6%). The occurrence of nematodes in soil and roots in this

survey could be attributed to nematode site of feeding preference. This observation suggests

that high concentration of nutrient around the root rhizosphere can discourage nematodes

from root burrowing. The study opined that nematodes of agronomical importance are

present in Otuoke and awareness should be created to minimized damage severity on

indigenous crops.