Characterization of plant-parasitic nematode communities associated with tomato, eggplant and pepper in the suburban area of Niamey (Niger)

ABSTRACT: In Niger, vegetable crops are now a very important component of the economy. However, their yield in farmer’s fields is very low as a result of a recurring pest pressure, especially the plant-parasitic nematodes. This work aimed to identify nematodes parasites of tomato, peppers and eggplant in the suburban area of Niamey in western Niger. Samples of soil and roots were taken in plant rhizosphere on the most important vegetable producing sites of the zone. Nematological analysis revealed 8 species of plant-parasitic nematodes in the rhizosphere of the three crops including root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne, the most devastating nematodes on vegetable crops.