ISHS Acta Horticulturae 425: II International Pineapple Symposium
EFFECT OF SOIL pH ON THE POPULATION DEVELOPMENT OF PRATYLENCHUS BRACHYURUS (GODFREY) IN PINEAPPLE ROOTS AND ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF THE PLANT |
| Authors: | B. Osseni, J. Sarah, R. Hugon |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.1997.425.46 |
| Abstract:
Damages due to the nematode Pratylenchus brachyurus on pineapples are very serious in southern Côte d'Ivoire where this crop is mainly grown. One of the major soil problems in this region is the high acidity (pH from 4.2 to 4.5) which is favorable to the development of P. brachyurus. Considering the high cost of nematicide treatment in Côte d'Ivoire, a study on the influence of soil pH on this specific nematode has been undertaken. Results show that soil pH has a significant effect on the develoment of P. brachyurus in pineapple roots. As pH increases, P. brachyurus populations drop. The lowest populations were observed when pH was increased up to 6.0. Consequently, plant growth, yield and sucker production were improved. This study shows that liming to maintain soil pH between 5.5 and 6.0 is recommended as one of the cheapest ways to control nematode population in small farms, where chemical nematicides are unaffordable due to low financial resources. | |
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