Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with maize, and their relationship with soil properties in southern and southwestern Ethiopia

Maize is an important cereal crop in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Plant-parasitic nematodes significantly impact maize production. However, research on maize nematodes in SSA is limited. The current study aimed to assess the occurrences and densities of nematodes associated with maize and to assess the correlation of some soil physicochemical properties with nematodes in southern and southwestern Ethiopia. One hundred and eighty-six soil and root samples were collected from 62 maize fields (31 from Hawassa Zuria and 31 from Mana districts). Eleven plant-parasitic nematode genera were identified. The most important genera of plantparasitic nematodes identified were Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus, followed by Helicotylenchus and Tylenchorhynchus. The nematodes Pratylenchus and Criconemoides were significantly and positively associated with pH, soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic matter (SOM). Additionally, Tylenchorhynchus, Pratylenchus and Rotylenchulus were significantly positively correlated with soil available phosphorus (SAP). However, Criconemoides and Meloidogyne had a strong negative correlation with soil bulk density (SBD). This study provides useful baseline information on maize-associated nematodes, and will be useful for agricultural policy makers, private farmers, non-governmental organisations and agricultural extension workers enabling them to establish sustainable maize nematode management strategies.