POPULATION BEHAVIOR OF HELICOTYLENCHUS-MULTICINCTUS IN SOIL AND ROOTSOF BANANA IN TRIPURA, INDIA

Population behaviour of Helicotylenchus multicinctus in root and soil around banana plants was studied for 12 months at three sites in Tripu ra, India. The population levels reached three peaks during the year ( March, June-July, and October-November) with concomitant increases in nematode numbers recorded both in soil and roots. Soil populations wer e lowest in December at all three sites when an abrupt increase in roo t populations occurred. Populations decreased both in soil and roots f ollowing heavy rainfall. A significant positive correlation between ne matode numbers in the soil and monthly rainfall was observed. Pre-mons oon and post-monsoon rainfall patterns seemed to be the major environm ental factor influencing population development. Temperature had no su ch effect. (C) Orstom/Elsevier, Paris.