Abundance of root-knot nematodes in the University of Embu

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes are parasitic microorganisms that attack the roots of almost all species on plants. They cause devastating effects on important crops throughout the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the abundance of root knot nematodes in different crop fields in University of Embu. Different crop fields were identified and 10 crops were uprooted randomly and rated for galling severity using a scale of 1 to 9. Differences in galling severity between different were compared using analysis of variance using R statistical software. Means were separated using Tukey’s test. There was a significant difference in galling severity between the plants with spinach and tomato having the highest rate of galling severity. The results indicate that nematode management strategies should be implemented in the University.