EFFECT OF CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM SILICATE ON Meloidogyne java']javanica REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF BANANA PRATA-ANA SEEDLINGS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different doses of calcium and magnesium silicate on M javanica reproduction and the development of banana Prata-Ana seedlings in sandy soil. The assay was carried out in a greenhouse in a randomized block (four) design in factorial 5x2 corresponding to five levels of silicate (0, 0.64, 1.28, 1.92 or 2.56, g/dm(3) of soil) and two sources of variation: presence and absence of M javanica. Plots consisted of three pots with one seedling per pot. The doses of 1.28 and 2.56 g of calcium and magnesium silicate/dm(3) of soil significantly reduced the number of eggs of M. javanica and reproduction factor (RF = final population / initial population) of M javanica compared to control. However these doses of silicate did not affect the number of galls and egg mass/roots and number of second stage juveniles (J2) of M. javanica/100 cm(3) of soil. In the absence of the nematode, the estimated dose of 1.61 g of calcium and magnesium silicate/dm(3) provided higher dry matter of the rhizome, but did not affect plant height, pseudostem diameter, leaf number and weight of the dry matter of leaves and root. Greatest development of the plants was obtained in those ones not inoculated with M javanica. It was concluded that vegetative development was affected by presence of M javanica and certain doses of silicate applied to the soil can affect the nematode reproduction and increase the rhizome dry matter.