Population ecology and community structure of plant parasitic nematodes associated with ginger in northern West Bengal

A two year survey of ginger in 24 plantations was done at 4 locations (Kalimpong, Pedong, Dupteen and Mirik) of Darjeeling district, West Bengal. Plant parasitic nematodes belonging to 8 genera and 10 species were detected. Rotylenchulus reniformis, Hoplolaimus indicus and Xiphinema elongatum were adjudged the first three positions in importance value and R. reniformis, Pratylenchus coffeae and Helicotylenchus multicinctus in prominence value, both in descending order. Cluster analysis, dendrogram and similarity index computed for ginger in the region indicated indenticality of more than 90%. nemic fauna of Kalimpong and Pedong. Faptor analysis suggested that the location effect due to variations in climate, cropping system and management practices were least in most of the ginger growing areas. A system of pathogenic significance ranking (PSR) has been proposed. The findings may prove useful in diagnostic, advisory and management services in the region.