Project Abstract

Abstract
Nematodes are microscopic, worm-like organisms that can have detrimental effects on plant growth and development. Among the various nematode species that affect agricultural crops, those that target tomatoes can cause significant economic losses to farmers. The identification and isolation of nematodes affecting tomato plants are crucial steps in developing effective management strategies to mitigate their impact. This research project aimed to identify and isolate nematodes that specifically affect tomato plants. The study involved sampling soil and root samples from tomato fields exhibiting symptoms of nematode infestation. Nematodes were extracted from the samples using a combination of techniques, including centrifugal flotation and Baermann funnel extraction. Morphological and molecular analyses were then conducted to identify the nematode species present. The results of the study revealed the presence of multiple nematode species in the sampled tomato fields, with the most prevalent being root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and lesion nematodes (Pratylenchus spp.). These nematodes are known to cause characteristic symptoms on tomato plants, such as root galling and necrotic lesions, which can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields. The isolation of nematodes from the soil and roots of affected tomato plants provided valuable insights into the population dynamics and distribution of these pests in the study area. Understanding the prevalence and diversity of nematode species affecting tomatoes is essential for implementing targeted control measures, such as crop rotation, soil fumigation, and the use of resistant cultivars. Furthermore, the morphological and molecular identification of nematodes is crucial for accurate species-level diagnosis, as different nematode species may require different management approaches. By combining traditional morphological methods with molecular techniques like DNA barcoding, this study was able to accurately identify the nematode species present in the tomato fields. In conclusion, the identification and isolation of nematodes affecting tomato plants are fundamental steps in developing sustainable nematode management strategies. By understanding the diversity and distribution of nematode species in tomato fields, farmers can implement targeted control measures to minimize crop damage and maximize yields.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTIONNematodes are tiny, thread-like worms measuring 0.0 15 inch to 0.187 inch in length. They are either free living parasitic or saprophytic, identified on the basis of shapes, size and special structures. The females become swollen and flask-shaped as a result of accumulation of eggs with the anus virtually terminal in position, while the males are vermiform (Sherf and Macnah, 1986; Chitwood, 1949; Taylor and Sasser, 1978; Idowu, 1979 and Idowu, 1983)Nematodes are known for causing destructive diseases of crops as they have a wide range of feeding habit, constitute about 80% of all multicellular animals, attacking nearly every crop that is grown in the field and as a result crop yields is greatly affected reducing quantity and quality of crops on field, orchard, home garden and green houses (Mai, 1985; Symth, 1994; Sasser, 1952). Among the favoured host in Nigeria as a whole include tomato, yam, tobacco, papaw, citrus and sweet potato (Sasser, 1954).1.1 Tomato:Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) belongs to the family Solanaceae and subilass polypetalae of the dicotyledenous group of plants. Tomato is a slight modification of tomato the name used by the Indians of Mexico, who have grown the plant for food since prehistoric times. Other names reported by early European explorers were tomato, tumatle and tomatas, probably variants of Indian words (Wener, 2004).1.2 Origin:The precise origin of tomato remains a mystery but there is reason to believe that the original tomato came from Peru called tomato, it was taken to Mexico by migrating Peruvians. It found its way to Italy through the explorations of Christopher Columbus. Tomatoes were taken back to Europe along with silver and gold and they were grown on the continent as a pretty curiosity (Fallagatter, 1999.