Ecology and pathogenicity of four trichodorid species from the semi-arid region of West Africa

Laboratory studies showed that trichodorids from the semi-arid region of West Africa need relatively low soil temperature levels for reproduction. The nematodes are not able to enter anhydrobiosis. Their localization at depth is probably a response to desiccation of the soil during the dry season and to high soil temperatures in the upper layers of the soil during the rainy season. Laboratory experiments showed that P. minor is pathogenic to sorghum, cowpea and eggplant, P. nanus to millet and sorghum, and P. rhodesiensis to peanut and sorghum. In each case the weight of shoots and roots was reduced by the nematodes but otherwise there were no obvious disease symptoms.