Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with anthuriums and other tropical ornamentals

following the detection of Radopholus similis in anthuriums (Anthurium andraeanum) from a shade-house in Gran Couva, a survey was conducted of all shade-houses to determine the presence of R. similis and other plant-parasitic nematodes in varieties of anthuriums grown in Trinidad. R. similis was found in 16 of 21 varieties sampled. Paratylenchus minutus, Pratylenchus coffeae, Meloidogyne incognita and Helicotylenchus dihystera also were detected. Anthuriums infected by R. similis showed symptoms of root-rot, stunting and chlorosis. Ginger lilies (Alpinia sp.) and other ornamental crops were found to be hosts of one or more species of nematodes which included M. incognita, Tylenchorhynchus annulatus and Xiphinema spp. Management of problems caused by plant-parasitic nematodes includes the adoption of plant quarantine measures, phytosanitation and the application of nematicides.