Population behaviour of Radopholus similts in roots of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Kerala, India*

The population of R. similis reached maximum in the month of September/October and minimum in the month of April/May, and detectable throughout the year. Black pepper was found to harbour more nematodes per gram of root compared to citrus, banana, coconut or arecanut. Rainfall and temperature influenced nematode population.