Biodiversity of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with pepper in the regions of Diffa and Dosso (Niger republic)

The pepper (Capsicum annum) is one of the most important vegetable crops grown in Niger. It is attacked by many pests and diseases. In the regions of Diffa and Dosso, plant-parasitic nematodes are often suspected of being responsible of significant yield losses on pepper. The study aimed to characterize the plant-parasitic nematode communities associated with this crop. Sampling was undertaken in six main pepper producing sites of the 2 regions. Samples of soil and roots were collected from the plant rhizosphere and brought to the laboratory for the analysisof nematodes. Twelve (12) species of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with pepper were found, including root-knot nematodes belonging to the genus Meloidogyne that were both frequent and abundant in all sites.