How earthworm activities affect banana plant response to nematodes parasitism

摘要: Abstract The burrowing nematode Radopholus similis and the lesion nematodes Pratylenchus spp. are considered as major constraints to banana cultivation worldwide. As an alternative use of chemical pesticides in commercial plantations, possible role earthworm Pontoscolex corethrurus was studied regarding reducing harmfulness main plant-feeding banana. interactions among plants, earthworms have been tested a controlled experiment combining treatments including or not nematodes, over complete vegetative development cycle. aim work evaluate how activity can affect pathogenicity three associated with dessert (Musa AAA group, cv. Cavendish) Guadeloupe (French West Indies), R. similis, coffeae Helicotylenchus multicinctus. Results showed that damages caused by were lowered presence P. corethrurus; population did decrease whereas root damage induced significantly reduced (50% reduction necrosis earthworms). Moreover, corethrurus, we observed change soil porosity. On one hand, destroyed most initial structural porosity (mesobiotic pores, 3–300 μm) on other they increased volume finest pores diameter class (microbiotic 0.3–3 μm). also stimulated phosphorus mineralization. Soil bioturbation carried out could enhanced efficiency microbial community is involved bioavailability. This observation corroborated higher availability casts (1386 ± 38 mg P kg−1 dry matter cast versus 778 ± 61 mg P kg−1 compartment influenced activity), better plant nutrition earthworms. Phosphorus uptake resulted tolerance nematodes. Besides, mesobiotic disturbed activities during their phase contributed damage.