Nematodes of Banana : Taxonomy and Ecology of Dorylaimids and Tylenchids

Banana is one of the major fruit crops of tropics and sub-tropics forming an important item in diet of millions across the globe. India is the second largest banana producing country of the world with the production of 3633 thousand tons per annum. Nematodes constitute one of the major limiting factors in banana production. Tylenchids, the plant parasitic nematodes have been recognised as a major constraint in banana production and are responsible for serious yield losses. The dorylaimid nematodes act as vectors of so many fungal, bacterial and viral diseases of this important fruit crop. This book therefore provides the valuable information about the taxonomy of dorylaimid and tylenchid nematodes of banana in India, their community structure, population dynamics and seasonal population fluctuation in relation to different edaphic factors. This will serve as a valuable tool to the banana producers as well as researchers which in turn be helpful to eradicate or minimize the nematode problems of this valuable crop. This will ultimately be helpful to improve banana production.