Diversity of nematodes on banana (Musa spp.) in Kenya linked to altitude and with a focus on the pathogenicity of Pratylenchus goodeyi

Summary Bananas ( Musa spp.) are considered the most important fruit crop in Kenya, grown mostly by smallholder farmers. However, past two decades production has declined and largely been attributed to plant pathogens, including plant-parasitic nematodes. To assess understanding awareness that banana farmers have of nematodes, a survey was conducted. The incidence, abundance distribution nematodes relation altitude were determined for different types on 180 farms pathogenicity Pratylenchus goodeyi , originating from three altitudinal locations, compared cultivars. Just 2.3% aware nematode damage symptoms, none whom applied any management measures. highest recorded at an range 1601-2000 m a.s.l., with Meloidogyne Helicotylenchus being predominant genera. Across all cooking had higher densities than dessert bananas. In pots, P. populations Embu (1300 a.s.l.) appeared more aggressive levels multiplication population Oyugis (1100 a.s.l.). Cooking (‘Ng’ombe’) susceptible (‘Sukari Ndizi’). Nematode is prominent areas findings provide key information guiding informed suitable decision thresholds potential climate change.