Distribution of phytoparasitic nematodes on anthurium in Peninsular Malaysia

P. M. Yuen and P. Y. Yau

Abstract

Sampling of 22 anthurium farms in the lowland and highland regions of Peninsular Malaysia showed that the phytoparasitic nematodes associated with the crop are Radopholus similis, Pratylenchus coffeae, Helicotylenchus dihystera, Meloidogyne, Rotylenchulus reniformis, Criconemella, Paratylenchus and Tylenchorhynchus. The important pests are the burrowing (R. similis) and lesion nematodes (P. coffeae), both of which damage the root system and are responsible for the yellow foliage and stunting of affected plants. Nematode infestation is not conspicuous because infested plants occur singly or in small scattered patches. Farmers are generally unaware of the problem and subsequently, no prophylactic measures are taken. To avoid nematode infestations, precautions to observe include using nematicides as preplant treatment, obtaining healthy suckers, siting beds away from infected crops, lining beds with polythene sheets as well as keeping farm implements clean.

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