Abstract
Banana root distribution, nematodes, and necrosis were assessed in banana
(Musa AAA) monoculture and banana-legume intercrops in Uganda, with the aim
of establishing their relationship in order to enhance decision making with
regard to management practices and sampling for nematode population and
damage assessment. The intercrops had no effect on the vertical or the
horizontal distribution of banana roots and nematodes. Approximately 90% of
the root biomass was in the upper 0.3 m and none was below 0.7 m. Within 0.5
m of the banana mat, the majority of root mass was in the surface 0.15 m,
but outside this radius more were found from 0.15-0.3 m. This spatial
distribution suggests that fertiliser applications would be most effectively
applied within a 0.5 m radius of the banana mat. Nematode species and root
necrosis were uniformly distributed horizontally on the roots; vertical
distribution differed among species. Significantly larger populations of
Radopholus similis were found in the upper 0.3 m; none was present below 0.5
m. Helicotylenchus multicinctus and Pratylenchus goodeyi were found
throughout the rooting profile; H. multicinctus density being high in the
upper 0.5 m, while P.goodeyi was generally low throughout. More root
necrosis was noted in the upper 0.3 m, coinciding with the greatest
population density of R. similis and the greatest amount of root biomass.
The spatial distribution of nematodes indicates that root sampling and
nematicide application should be concentrated within 0.5 m of the banana
mat.
Trickle irrigation systems affect spatial distribution of roots of banana crop
