ISHS Acta Horticulturae 275: International Symposium on the Culture of Subtropical and Tropical Fruits and Crops
PESTS DAMAGING PINEAPPLE ROOTS |
| Author: | J. SARAH |
| Abstract:
Nematodes are the main soil-borne pests of pineapples. Depending on the countries, the most damaging species are Pratylenchus brachyurus, Rotylenchulus reniformis and Meloidogyne spp. Root damage results in decreased plant growth and delayed development. Aerial symptoms are a consequence of nutrient and water deficiencies : leaves turn red and lose their turgidity. Plant crop yield losses may be very serious and ratoon crops may fail completely. Control methods are essentially limited to chemical applications, but cultural practices (fallow or crop rotation) are also used to suppress the soil inoculum before planting. Symphylids are not as widespread as nematodes, but they cause important damage when ecological conditions are favourable. Hanseniella spp. are of major concern in some areas of Ivory Coast, in Martinique and Hawaii (associated with another symphylid, Scutigerella sakimurai). These small millipedes feed on the root tips, stopping root elongation and causing root branching. Aerial symptoms are very similar to those induced by nematodes, but the field distribution of damaged plants is more heterogeneous. Control is mainly done by organophosphate applications. Coleoptera larvae (white grubs) and some adults may cause damage in certain areas, especially in South Africa. Some nematicides are effective enough to also control these pests. | |
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