The Root-Knot Nematodes of East Africa Meloidogyne Africana N. SP., A Parasite of Arabica Coffee (Coffea Arabica L.)

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (species of Meloidogyne Goeldi, 1887 (emend. Allen, 1952) frequently attack arabica coffee in the mountain areas of East Africa. Coffee nurseries are widely attacked in the Meru District of Kenya by a new species Meloidogyne Africana n.sp. A species with a very similar anal plate pattern in the female also attacks arabica coffee on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanganyika. Galls due to the invasion of the roots by this species are usually small, from 1 to 5 mm in diameter. Affected seedlings are generally stunted and chlorotic, while feeder roots and often main roots also, are 'blinded', resulting in the formation of numerous branch rootlets behind the affected root-tip. Heavy attacks in mature coffee trees by Meloidogyne spp. are generally associated with unthriftiness.