Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

A survey work was conducted in Dadin Kowa, Yamaltu Deba local Government area of Gombe state, Nigeria in 2023 to determine nematodes associated with banana. Soil samples were collected around banana using soil auger; random sampling method was used for collecting soil from rhizosphere of banana at depth 0-20cm. Ten-farm areas were randomly selected and 10 soil samples were collected from each Banana farm. The collected soil samples were bulked together in a polythene bag to make a composite sample.  Each bag was labelled showing details of area and date of collection. 250 cm³ of each composite soil sample was used for nematode extraction. Data was collected on plant parasitic nematode (PPN) genera and prevalence of plant parasitic nematode. The data collected was analyzed using percentage population density formula. The findings revealed that Meloidogyne, Scutellonema, Trichodorus, Hoplolaimus, Heterodera, Ditylenchus, Aphelenchus and Pratylenchus were identified as the major PPNs associated with banana in Dadin Kowa. Meloidogyne had the highest frequency of occurrence (7.60 %), followed by Scutellonema (6.80 %) and the least was Ditylenchus (2.00 %). Results of population density showed Meloidogyne had the highest population density (4.40 %) and least was Trichodorus (1.20 %). Meloidogyne was the most abundant whilst Trichodorus the least in terms of total number of nematodes in soil in all the sampled fields. The study concluded that eight genera of PPNs are associated with banana (Musa spp..). There is need enlighten farmers on ways to control PPN in order to avoid further spread and/or destruction.