Pratylenchus goodeyi
Pratylenchus goodeyi is a lesion nematode considered to be native to Africa. It is a major pest, and the main nematode species, causing yield losses in East African highland bananas and plantains growing at high elevation.
Distribution
Pratylenchus goodeyi is very closely linked to altitude and temperature. In Africa, it is found almost exclusively in highland areas. It has been reported in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Cameroon. Ouside of Africa, it has been reported as the main nematode affecting Cavendish in the Canary Islands1 . It has also been found in Madeira, Egypt, Crete2 and New South Wales in Australia.
Alternative hosts
Pratylenchus goodeyi also attacks enset in Ethiopia.
Symptoms
The characteristic symptom is purplish necrosis in the rhizome and roots, which does not extend into the cortex of the root. The necrosis is best observed when the roots are cut longitudinally.
The symptoms are similar to those made by Pratylenchus coffeae and Radopholus similis. To determine the causal agent, the nematodes need to be extracted from the roots and examined microscopically.