PLANT-PARASITIC NEMATODES ASSOCIATED WITH CROPS GROWN BY SMALLHOLDERSIN MOZAMBIQUE

Crop surveys in Mozambique during 1992-1996 revealed the presence and the large distribution of several plant parasitic nematodes. Root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) and lesion (Pratylenchus spp.) nematodes are the p redominant and most widespread forms. Several nematode species were fo und for the first time in Mozambique, whereas others were found on dif ferent crops than in previous surveys. Pratylenchus zeae was found fre quently on maize, and also on common bean (Phaseolus: vulgaris L.), su garcane, and sunflower. Root-knot nematodes were serious pests of comm on bean, when the beans were grown together with maize in Niassa provi nce, and also of cowpea in experimental fields and irrigation areas in the south, sunflower in Niassa province, tobacco in Nampula and Manic a provinces, and vegetables from several areas. Root-knot nematode was not found to be a problem on cassava in Mozambique. The peanut pod ne matode Ditylenchus africanus was found in Maputo and Gaza provinces an d may have been introduced with imported groundnut used for seed or hu man consumption. (C) Orstom/Elsevier, Paris.