Evaluation of the resistance to two nematodes: Radopholus similis and Meloidogyne spp. in four banana genotypes in Morocco

Radopholus similis and Meloidogyne spp. are the main nematode parasites of banana plants grown under plastic shelters in Morocco. A test was made in pots to evaluate the resistance of four genotypes of banana to these nematodes. Infection by Meloidogyne spp. brought about an increase in root weight in all banana plants tested because of gall formation. The inoculation of R. similis produced a reduction in length and diameter of the pseudo-trunk as well as in root and aerial mass in all genotypes. Pisang jari buaya showed the significantly lowest number of Meloidogyne nematodes per 10 g of roots, whereas for R. similis, the significantly smallest numbers were obtained in Pisang berlin and Pisang jari buaya. Therefore, Pisang jari buaya was the only banana genotype studied to show some degree of resistance to both nematodes.