First report of Meloidogyne enterolobii in Niger
In 2013, during disease surveillance activities conducted in Niger on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) crops, a severe infestation of root-knot nematodes was found in the district of Diffa (main Nigerian capsicum-growing area). Above-ground symptoms were characterized by stunted growth, yellowing leaves, chlorosis and even plant death. These symptoms were also accompanied by the presence of numerous root galls. Laboratory studies (morphological, molecular methods) confirmed the identity of Meloidogyne enterolobii (EPPO A2 List). In addition, pathogenicity tests showed that potted C. annuum plants which were inoculated with infective juveniles of M. enterolobii collected from an infested field, developed typical root galls. DNA extracted from juveniles collected from these infested potted plants was tested by PCR and gave the expected amplicons for M. enterolobii. This is the first time that M. enterolobii is reported from Niger.
The situation of Meloidogyne enterolobii in Niger can be described as follows: Present, only in some areas (first found in 2013 in Diffa district).
Sources
Assoumana BT, Habash S, Ndiaye M, Van der Puije G, Sarr E, Adamou H, Grundler FMW, Elashry A (2017) First report of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii parasitising sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) in Niger. New Disease Reports 36, 18. [Link]