Characterization and distribution of Meloidogyne species associated with tomato cultivation in Côte d’Ivoire

The fight against Meloidogyne is a major concern for market garden producers. This study aims to characterize and map the species of Meloidogyne associated with tomato cultivation in Ivory Coast. Thus, the incidence and severity of damage caused by nematodes were assessed. The observed symptoms presented significantly different incidences depending on the region. Indeed, the incidences of wilting, dwarfing, reduced leaves and yellowing of the central zone were respectively 30.66 ± 8.12^c, 19.55 ± 10.52^b, 26.88 ± 10.15^b et 36.22 ± 11.76^c  while those in the northern zone were respectively 12.88 ± 5.01^b, 9.35 ± 4.28^a, 7.51 ± 4.77^a and 7.51 ± 5.93^b. Also, the prevalence of galls in the central zone (32.44 ± 10.71^b) was the highest and that of the northern zone (13.20 ± 2.17^a) the weakest. As for the severity of the galls, it was greater in the central-west zone (54.61 ± 28.47^b) and weaker in the east (10.94 ± 3.04^a). The extraction of nematodes made it possible to identify three species: Meloidogyne arenaria, Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica. The central area had the highest density (497.77 ± 234.61^b) and the lowest density (138.33 ± 66.56^a) to the east. This study provides important data to support decision-making in tomato cultivation.