Parasitic nematode populations in natural and planted fallows and their effects on subsequent crops in Kenya

Improved fallows were planted in western Kenya (1500-m altitude) to evaluate the effects of 6- and 12-month Sesbania sesban "cover crops" in comparison with 6- and 12-month natural (weed) fallows, a 6-month Crotalaria agatiflora cover crop and continuous maize on parasitic nematode populations as well as the effects of these nematode populations on subsequent maize and bean crops. Infestations of Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne javanica, Pratylenchus zeae, Rotylenchulus variabilis, Helicotylenchus spp. and Scutellonema spp. were monitored. Although a number of plant species in natural fallows were hosts to both Meloidogyne spp., even natural fallows 12 months long did not increase populations of these nematodes to cause any significant yield reduction in the subsequent nematode-susceptible bean. Crotalaria cover crop and continuous maize decreased the Meloidogyne populations but increased P. zeae populations to levels that could limit their growth. Only the 12-month sesbania cover crop increased Meloidogyne populations greatly in soil and roots at the site of light-textured soil. Bean yields declined by 52-87% following the 12-month sesbania crop. A 1-season interval with maize after sesbania cover was adequate to limit Meloidogyne damage on susceptible bean. Crotalaria is considered an alternative to sesbania for rotation with crops susceptible to Meloidogyne. From abstract Elsevier Science Journal.

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4290(99)00071-4

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