Abstract

Seasonal fluctuation of plant parasitic nematodes associated with rhizosphere of banana was studied. The months of February-March and September-October appeared to be the most favourable for increasing the nematode population in the soil around the root zone of banana. Populations of all the recorded plant parasitic nematodes were found to be maximum during the months of February-March when maximum atmospheric temperature ranged between 28.7–30.3°C, minimum atmospheric temperature between 12–17.4°C, soil temperature between 21.7–24.1°C and rainfall ranged between 6.4–51.1 mm. During winter months, nematode population was found to decline. Least nematode population was recorded during December-January when maximum atmospheric temperature ranged between 24.4–24.6°C, minimum atmospheric temperature between 8.2–10.7°C and soil temperature ranged between 18.1–19.9°C.