Colombian scientist discovers new species of lethal parasite for banana and plantain

Professor Carlos Emiro Arboleda, a student of the Master's Degree in Agricultural Sciences at the National University of Colombia (UNAL), took samples of nematodes in plantations of said species in the municipality of Palestina, in the department of Caldas, in Calarcá in Quindío and in Buenaventura in Valle del Cauca.

 

Nematodes are millimeter-sized worms that inhabit soil, aquatic and marine environments. They feed on organic matter and soil microorganisms, which is why they can pose a threat to crops.

 

In his investigation, Arboleda found the species P. araucensis (Pratylenchus spp.), which is responsible for root rot. In addition, he found the species R. similis, which feeds on the roots and corms of bananas and bananas in any part of the world, affecting the development of these crops.

 

The scientist stressed that the presence of P. araucensis in the Coffee Region and Valle del Cauca is related to the transport of seeds infected with the parasite.

 

The identification of these species will make it possible to highlight the levels of economic damage and the threshold of action on banana and plantain crops.