Pratylenchus coffeae

Pratylenchus coffeae is a species of nematode that is known to cause significant damage to a variety of important agricultural crops. It is commonly referred to as the coffee root lesion nematode due to its detrimental impact on coffee crops, but it also affects other crops such as banana, black pepper, and citrus.

Taxonomy

The coffee root lesion nematode belongs to the genus Pratylenchus, which is part of the family Pratylenchidae. This family is characterized by its plant-parasitic nature and its members are known to cause significant economic losses in agriculture.

Morphology

Pratylenchus coffeae is a small nematode, typically measuring between 0.5 and 0.8 mm in length. It has a slender, cylindrical body and a stylet for feeding. The stylet is a needle-like structure that the nematode uses to pierce plant cells and extract nutrients.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Pratylenchus coffeae includes egg, four juvenile stages, and adult. The nematode feeds on the roots of host plants, causing lesions and reducing the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients. This can lead to stunted growth and reduced yield in affected crops.

Economic Impact

Pratylenchus coffeae is a significant pest in many agricultural systems. It is particularly damaging to coffee crops, hence its common name. However, it also affects a range of other crops, including banana, black pepper, and citrus. The economic impact of this nematode is significant, with losses in yield and quality of crops leading to financial losses for farmers.

Management

Management of Pratylenchus coffeae typically involves a combination of cultural practices, biological control, and chemical control. Cultural practices include crop rotation and the use of resistant varieties. Biological control involves the use of natural enemies of the nematode, while chemical control involves the use of nematicides.

See Also

• Nematode
• Coffee
• Banana
• Black pepper
• Citrus