The importance of host weed species for root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. Göldi, 1897 (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae) in banana plantations

Abstract

Banana is a significant economic source in Türkiye. Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. Göldi, 1897 (Tylenchida: Heteroderidae) are the important pests in banana fields. This study was conducted from 2021 to 2022 to elucidate the relationship between root-knot nematodes and weed species in bananas in the Mediterranean Region. 2% of the banana production area in Adana, Antalya, Hatay and Mersin were surveyed regularly for this purpose. 1m2 frames were placed within a 2m radius around banana plants in the sampled areas. The host of root-knot nematodes with weed species identified within the frames was examined. Survey results indicated that Amaranthus retroflexus L. (46.34%), Portulaca oleracea L. (40.63%), and Solanum nigrum L. (37.84%) were the weed species most infected with root-knot nematodes. Furthermore, molecular analyses revealed that Abutilon theophrasti Medik., Amaranthus spp., Cucumis melo var. agrestis Naudin., Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton, Kickxia commutata (Bernh. ex Rchb.) Fritsch, Malva spp., Mercurialis annua L., P. oleracea, S. nigrum, and Sonchus oleraceus L. were suitable hosts for root-knot nematodes. This study is an important step in understanding the interaction between root-knot nematodes and weeds in banana. The presence of weed species in agricultural fields should be considered as they may support nematode populations and pose a threat to subsequent crops. Therefore, the implementation of weed control strategies could help producers to control nematode populations.