Distribution pattern of important species of plant parasitic nematodes in the sugarcane ecosystem of India

Sugarcane being one of the most important crops, a systematic survey was undertaken in the eight states viz., Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh to identify the important plant parasitic nematodes which can be rated as major pests of this crop. Four species of plant parasitic nematodes, P. zeae, H. indicus, T. annualatus and H. dihystera were identified with varied density and frequency in these states. Soil type, climatic factors and cropping system were found to be the important reasons governing their distribution.