Prevalence of Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne Species) on Waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) in Three Locations in University of Calabar, Nigeria

Aim: A comprehensive survey of root-knot nematodes was conducted in three locations (Unical farm, Biological Science and Botanical Garden) between June, 2018 to August, 2018 to determine the intensity of Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne hapla on the three locations of University of Calabar, Nigeria.

Methodology: A randomized sampling pattern was used during sampling, were a total of 60 samples (30 infected roots and 30 infected soil) samples were collected from the three major locations. In each location, 10 sampling points were selected randomly. Data were collected on Number of galls per root system, Gall index (G.I), Nematode density in soil and Number of nematode per plant. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of chi-square.

Results: The prevalence of Root-knot nematodes was recorded with varying degree in all locations. The highest prevalence of Root-knot nematodes (M. incognita) 62.25% with (G.I = 4.00) was recorded from Botanical garden followed by 39.12% with (G.I = 4.00) in Biological Science block compared to Unical farm which recorded minimum prevalence of 15.41% with (G.I = 3.00). The result of the survey obtained showed that (M. incognita and M. hapla are prevalence in all the three locations. However, Unical farm had the least Root-knot infection of (M. hapla) compare to (M. incognita).

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the composition of nematode communities (plant-parasitic and free-living) may be used as bio indicators of soil health or condition. This further suggests that magnitude of nematode problem needs serious consideration to tackle by the use of useful nematode management strategies.