# Race Detection and Density of Rotylenchulus reniformis & Meloidogyne incognita on Banana in Türkiye

## TL;DR

This study identifies and tracks the population changes of two harmful nematodes affecting banana crops in greenhouses in Türkiye.

## Contribution

The study reports the first identification of Rotylenchulus reniformis race 2 and Meloidogyne incognita race 1 in greenhouse banana cultivation in Türkiye.

## Key findings

- Rotylenchulus reniformis (race 2) and Meloidogyne incognita (race 1) were found in banana greenhouses in Mersin.
- Population densities of M. incognita increased with soil temperatures above 10°C, while R. reniformis increased above 20°C.
- R. reniformis significantly suppressed M. incognita populations in 2022–2023.

## Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes are responsible for substantial yield losses in banana-growing regions worldwide. In Türkiye, banana is traditionally grown in limited open-field areas, but greenhouse cultivation has rapidly expanded in recent years. However, information on nematodes associated with greenhouse bananas is extremely limited. This study aimed to determine the occurrence, races, and population densities of economically important nematodes in banana greenhouses. Surveys conducted between 2021–2022 in both new and old banana-producing regions revealed the presence of Rotylenchulus reniformis and Meloidogyne incognita in greenhouses in Mersin. R. reniformis was identified as race 2, while M. incognita was race 1. The population density of M. incognita increased when soil temperature rose above 10 °C, and R. reniformis densities increased above 20 °C. M. incognita was dominant during 2021–2022; however, its population was significantly suppressed by R. reniformis in 2022–2023.