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The nematode Meloidogyne javanica is a constraint to the production of Musa spp. in Cameroon. Management is mainly with expensive synthetic nematicides which are environmentally unsafe. Two experiments were conducted in Buea, Cameroon, in 2017 and 2018 to determine (i) the effects of five nematode populations (0, 1300, 2600, 3900 and 5200 nematodes) on plantain, and (ii) the management potential of lantana (Lantana camara L.) and mistletoe (Viscum album L.). In the latter, treatments were ground leaves of lantana and mistletoe (4 and 16 g/plant) and the synthetic nematicide (Ethoprofos), incorporated into the soils with the plantlets 4 weeks after planting; which was 1 week after nematode inoculation (WAI). The control was without botanical or nematicide. The results showed that treatments with 0 and 1300 nematodes had taller plants with larger stem diameter than those with 2600–5200 nematodes at 5 WAI. Treatments with lantana, mistletoe and Ethoprofos had significant (P≤0.05) increase in growth parameters and decrease in nematodes and galls. Application of 16 g/plant of both botanicals or of Ethoprofos reduced nematode populations and prevented gall formation on plant roots. The findings indicate that lantana and mistletoe have the potential to manage M. javanica and could serve as alternatives to synthetic nematicide. |
