Investigations on Nematode Community Dynamics on Pepper Monoculture Vegetations in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cultivation of Pepper, a vegetable fruit crop of prominence in Otuoke, is often hampered by parasitic nematode infestation. This negatively affects its economic impact on the rural domestic market. Farmers in Otuoke often ascribe reduced yield to inadequate farming strategy, as they are ignorant of nematode dynamics and resulting damages. This study sought to assay soil and roots of pepper plants for the determination of nematode community dynamics with a view of winging-in rural affordable management option for the agronomical parasites. The soil was collected using a hand trowel and roots were gotten using a knife and the extraction of the parasites was achieved by the use of the modified sieve plate method. The actual assemblage of nematodes was 397 from 11 genera, 205 (51.6%) occurred in farm A and 192 (48.4%) were seen in farm B. Dynamics on nematode diversity and occurrence were seen among species between farms. Meloidogyne species (17.9%) display variable populations between Farms A (19.5%) and B (16.1%). Tylenchorhynchus (11.3%) had a higher number in farm A (14.1%) and unlike in farm B (8.3%). However, Gracilachus (3.0%) and Scutellonema (7.3%)) species were reportedly found in Farm A while Tylenchus (6.5%) Hemicyclophora (5.3%) Pratylenchus (10.1%) and Rotylenchus species (10.1%) were peculiar to farm B. The result suggests that extensive fluctuations in nematode assemblage are possible even in fields with similar characteristics. Nematode occurrence on the root tissue of pepper plants in this study implies danger to quality productivity. Therefore, farmers should adopt poultry filters as manure for the cultivation of crops in the area. Farmers should also adopt exposing agricultural land to direct sunshine for a minimum of three weeks after clearing before tillage. The heat will help inhibit nematode profusion and check population abundance in soil for proper cultivation of crops.