Phytonematodes are known to cause substantial losses in crop yields across the world. Since the middle of the last century, these pests have been adequately controlled by chemical nematicides. However, due to increasing public health concern, strict regulations in the EU and elsewhere have significantly reduced the usage of these environmentally not-so-safe chemicals. This has led us to look for reliable biological alternatives. The Pasteuria group of Gram-positive endospore-forming bacteria (phylum: Firmicutes) often associated with nematode-suppressive soils are potentially reliable nematode biocontrol agents. However, the highly specific interaction of Pasteuria to their nematode hosts poses a challenge to the management of heterogeneous populations of nematodes in the field; the mechanism behind this specificity remains unclear. One of the fundamental basis of host specificity is the attachment of Pasteuria endospores to the cuticle of their host nematodes which is the first and essential step in the infection process. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern the attachment process is important in identifying suitable populations of Pasteuria for effective broad-range management of plant parasitic nematodes in soil. Previous studies suggest the presence of immunogenic collagen-like fibres and carbohydrates on the endospore coat of Pasteuria that may have a role in the initial interaction of the endospores with their nematode hosts. Published work on phylogeny relates Pasteuria to Bacillus spp. most of which have well annotated and characterized genomes while the genome of Pasteuria remains to be sequenced completely. In this thesis, I attempt to explore the endospore biology of obligate and fastidious Pasteuria spp. using the wide knowledgebase of well studied Bacillus endospores. The primary aim was to characterize the immunogeneic determinants that are possibly responsible for the attachment of Pasteuria endospores to the host nematode cuticle by a combination of computational and lab-based approaches. To approve the suggested phylogenetic closeness of Pasteuria to Bacillus, the first part of the study focused on phylogeny reconstruction of Pasteuria spp. amongst Bacillus spp. and other members of the phylum Firmicutes. This was followed by in silico studies to identify candidate collagen-like genes in P. penetrans; the putative functional proteins encoded by these candidate genes were then comparatively characterized with collagens from other organisms including the members of the genus Bacillus. The surface associated collagen-like proteins and other possible immunogens on the endospores of Pasteuria were characterized by protein immunoblotting, lectin blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy and comparisons were made with B. thuringiensis endospores. Lastly, endospore attachment assays were done to test the hypothesis that collagens and carbohydrates play a role in Pasteuria endospore attachment. The results of the computational analyses suggest a family of collagen coding putative genes in the Pasteuria genome, all of which are predicted to have varied biochemical properties and are seemingly of diverse evolutionary origin. The Western blot and microscopic analyses show that the endospores of P. penetrans and B. thuringiensis share some common immunodominant surface epitopes. The attachment assays confirm the involvement of collagens and at least one carbohydrate (N-acetylglucosamine) in the endospore attachment. However, the results also indicate possible involvement of other adhesins in the process; to support this, at the end of the thesis, I propose a new 'Multitype Adhesin Model' for initial interaction of Pasteuria endospores with the cuticle of their host nematodes. The outcomes of this project will help in identifying the molecular basis of the complex Pasteuria-nematode interaction. This will provide a basis to develop environmentally benign nematode bio-management strategies.

Thesis (M. Agricultural Management (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / Cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultigens do not have resistant genotypes to root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes. Currently, efforts are underway to introgress nematode resistance in potato breeding programmes, whereas other environment-friendly nematode management strategies are being assessed in various cultigens. Nemafric-BL and Nemarioc-AL phytonematicides have being researched and developed for managing the root-knot nematode whereas Biocult Mycorrhizae are intended to enhance crop productivity through improved absorption of P, which is inherently low in most South African soils. The objectives of the study, therefore, were: (1) to determine the interactive effects of Nemacur (N), Biocult Mycorrhizae (B) and Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicide (P) on population densities of M. javanica and growth of potato plants, (2) to investigate the effects of Nemacur (N), Velum (V), Biocult Mycorhizae (B) and Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicide (P) on population densities of M. javanica and growth of potato plants. For the microplot experiment, potato cv. ‘Mondial G3’ seeds were sown in 25 cm-diameter plastic pots with 5 000 ml steam-pasteurised river sand and Hygromix-T at 3:1 (v/v) growing mixture in autumn (March-May) 2015. Pots were buried 80% deep into the soil in with 0.5 m inter-row and 0.5 m intra-row spacing. Potato cv. ‘Mondial G3’ seeds were dipped in a mixture of Mancozeb with a wettener for disease management prior to sowing. Appropriate treatments were applied soon after emergence of leaves. Each plant was inoculated by dispensing a mixture of 5 000 eggs and M. javanica J2. Eight treatments, control (N0B0P0), Nemacur (N1B0P0), Biocult (N0B1P0), phytonematicide (N0B0P1), Nemacur × Biocult (N1B1P0), Nemacur × phytonematicide (N1B0P1), Biocult × phytonematicide (N0B1P1) and Nemacur × Biocult × phytonematicide (N1B1P1), were arranged in a randomised complete block xxvi design (RCBD) with 8 replications (n= 64). Under field conditions the study was conducted in summer (October 2015 - January 2016), with 30-cm furrows dug and potato seeds placed in the soil with 30 cm inter-row and 40 cm intra-row spacing. The four treatments, namely, (1) untreated control, (2) Nemacur or Velum (3) Biocult Mycorrhizae and (4) Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicide, were arranged in RCBD, replicated three times for the Velum experiment and five times for the Nemacur experiment. At 56 days after inoculation, the second order interaction (N1B1P1) was highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) for eggs in root and total nematodes, contributing 13 and 12% to total treatment variation (TTV) of the two variables, respectively, in the Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide study. Relative to untreated control, the second order interaction (N1B1P1) reduced eggs in root and total nematodes by 42 and 36%, respectively. In both Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicide experiments, the combination of phytonematicide and Biocult Mycorrhizae reduced gall rating. Nemacur, Biocult and Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide, the treatment effects were highly significant on eggs, J2 in root and total nematodes, contributing 53, 68 and 57% to TTV of the three variables, respectively. Nemacur, Biocult and Nemafric-BL phytonematicide treatments each was not significant (P ≤ 0.05) for nematodes variables. Both treatments for Nemacur, Biocult and Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicides were significant for gall rating, contributing 92 and 70% to TTV of the variable, respectively. In Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide, relative to the untreated control, gall rating was reduced by 48 to 56%, whereas in Nemafric-BL phytonematicide the variable was reduced by 33 to 56%. In the Velum study, Biocult and Nemarioc-AL or Nemafric-BL phytonematicide, the treatment effects in both experiments were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) on eggs in root, contributing 88% to TTV of the variable. Both treatments from Nemarioc-AL xxvii and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides had no significant effects on all plant variables measured. In microplot, the second order interaction (Nemacur × Biocult × Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide) was highly significant for nematode eggs in root and total nematode. In a three-way matrix, the N1B1P1 interaction had the highest effects on eggs, followed by Biocult alone, then Nemacur alone and then the phytonematicide. The same trend was observed in the three-way matrix for total nematodes. However, in two-way matrix for eggs, Biocult outperformed Nemacur, as was the phytonematicide on J2. In another microplot study, the second order interaction (Nemacur × Biocult × Nemafric-BL phytonematicide) was significant for J2 in soil and roots, with the three-way matrix showing, that Biocult alone had higher effects than the N1B1P1 interaction on J2 in root. A three-way matrix also showed that Nemacur was outperformed by the phytonematicide alone, Biocult alone and the interactions on J2 in soil. In conclusion, Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides could each be used with Biocult Mycorrhizae in the management of population densities of M. javanica in potato production since the impact from Nemacur which is a synthetic nematicide does not have that much difference from that of phytonematicides interacted with Biocult Mycorrhizae. / Agricultural Research Council

Na região dos cerrados, as principais culturas de cobertura utilizadas para a produção de palha no sistema de plantio direto são o milheto (Pennisetum glaucum R. BR.) e as aveias (Avenas spp.). No entanto, a resposta dessas espécies vegetais frente ao nematóide das lesões (Pratylenchus brachyurus) e o das galhas (Meloidogyne incognita) são escassas. O objetivo do presente trabalho é de verificar a resposta de genótipos de milhetos, aveias e outras coberturas vegetais a Pratylenchus brachyurus e de aveias a Meloidogyne incognita sob condições controladas. Desenvolveram-se quatro experimentos no total, no experimento 1, os cultivares de milhetos testados foram resistentes ao nematóide (FR<1,0) com exceção da cultivar ADR 500 (população BA). No experimento 2, as aveias pretas contribuíram para a redução populacional (resistentes) de P. brachyurus, fato oposto, pode ser verificado para as aveias branca e amarela (suscetíveis). No terceiro experimento, diferentemente do verificado no experimento 1, os milhetos se mostraram suscetíveis a P. brachyurus, e, o sorgo BRS-800 foi a cobertura que mais incrementou a densidade do nematóide, equiparando-se estatisticamente com a soja BRS 133. No quarto experimento, verificou-se aumento da densidade das três populações de M. incognita nas aveias pretas testadas, em contraposição à redução verificada na aveia branca UFRGS 17 e amarela São Carlos. / In Cerrado region, the main cover crop used in no tillage system are the pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and the oats (Avena spp.). However, the response of these vegetable species to lesion nematode (Pratylenchus brachyurus) and to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is scarce. The aim of the present work was verify the response of the pearl millet genotypes, oats and other cover crops to P. brachyurus and of oats to M. incognita under greenhouse conditions. Four experiments were done; in experiment 1, the pearl millet cultivars tested were resistant to nematode (FR<1.0) with exception of the cultivar ADR 500 (population BA). In experiment 2, the black oats reduced the P. brachyurus population (resistant); contrarily, white and yellow oats were susceptible. In third experiment, the pearl millets showed as susceptible to P. brachyurus, and the sorghum BRS-800 was the cover crop more susceptible to nematode, statistically closed to soybean BRS 133. In experiment 4, black oats increased the three populations of M. incognita tested, instead the reduction verified in white oat UFRGS 17 and yellow São Carlos.

La gestion des nématodes phytoparasites (NPP) est un enjeu capital pour de nombreux opérateurs agricoles. Au Maroc, le développement d’une agriculture intensive dans le cadre du « Plan Maroc Vert » va nécessairement induire l’émergence de pathologies végétales, dont des nématoses. Dans le cas de l’olivier, ils mettent en péril la production en pépinière et dans les vergers à haute-densité. D’autre part, les pépinières sont une source majeure d’introduction des NPP en vergers, par transplantation de plants enracinés.C’est la raison pour laquelle une étude de la diversité des communautés de NPP a été conduite dans 25 pépinières localisées dans les régions les plus productrices au Maroc (Souss, Haouz, Guérouane, Jbala). Un total de 305 échantillons de sol ont été analysés. Les NPP détectés appartiennent aux familles des Hoplolaimidae (Helicotylenchus spp., Rotylenchus spp.), des Telotylenchidae (Tylenchorhynchus spp.), des Meloidogynidae (Meloidogyne spp.) et des Tylenchidae (Trichotylenchus spp.), etc. Bien qu’aucun symptôme n’ait été observé sur les racines, l’abondance moyenne de ces genres était très élevée (jusqu'à 56.640 individus/dm3 de sol). Une étude biochimique (PAGE) et moléculaire (SCARS) a également porté sur la diversité des nématodes à galles du genre Meloidogyne, principaux ravageurs de l’olivier. Elle a indiqué une dominance de M. javanica (72%) sur M. incognita (25.5%), tandis que M. arenaria n’a été détectée que dans une seule pépinière. Cette étude montre la nécessité absolue pour les pépiniéristes de proposer une garantie sanitaire des plants à travers une traçabilité des substrats.Afin de contrôler le développement des NPP en pépinière, puis en vergers après transplantation, la lutte microbiologique à l’aide de champignons nématophages (CNP) s’avère une alternative adaptée aux pépinières (inoculation aux substrats). Ainsi, 70 souches de champignons telluriques ont été isolées, dont une grande diversité d’Orbiliaceae possédant des organes de capture (Arthrobotrys spp., Dreschlerella spp., Monacrosporium spp.) et d’Hypocreaceae toxiques (Trichoderma asperellum , T. harzianum, T. longibrachiatum, Talaromyces assiutensis). Des espèces oviparasites telles que Paecilomyces lilacinus (dominante) et Pochonia chlamydosporia étaient également présentes. Plusieurs espèces endoparasites ont aussi été observées telles que Catenaria anguilullae, Nematoctunus leiosporus et Haptoglossa heterospora. Les tests de prédation in vitro ont révélé que T. assiutensis est capable de parasiter 100% des juvéniles de M. javanica. Les souches d’Orbiliaceae induisent une mortalité de 50 à 80% des juvéniles. Des analyses multivariées (ACP, co-inertie, K-tableaux) ont permis d’identifier l’impact majeur des variables climatiques (pluviométrie et température minimale) et de l’origine des substrats de culture (habitats écologiques) sur la diversité des communautés de NPP et de CNP. Les amendements minéraux (NPK), la matière organique, l’acidité et la texture argileuse des substrats ont un impact non négligeable. Les variétés multipliées n’ont aucun effet. L’analyse des co-structures entre les communautés de NPP et de CNP a indiqué une corrélation entre les Orbiliaceae et Meloidogyne spp., ce qui confirme l’intérêt de ces CNP comme agents de lutte biologique pour la gestion de ces NPP.L’étude de la physiologie de croissance et de sporulation des souches a révélé que les souches de Trichoderma spp. ont les fitness les plus élevées alors que les Orbiliaceae ont une croissance et une sporulation faible. Les études diligentées dans le cadre de cette thèse (i) confirment que la diversité des communautés de NPP sont des indicateurs pertinents pour évaluer la santé des substrats dans les pépinières oléicoles à des fins de certification des oliviers, et (ii) ouvrent des perspectives de développement de stratégies de gestion microbiologique de ces parasites respectueuse de l’environnement. / The management of plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) is a major challenge for many agricultural operators. In Morocco, the development of an intensive agriculture in the " Morocco Green Plan" will necessarily induce the emergence of plant diseases, including nematodes. On olive tree, they imperil production in nurseries and in high-density orchards. On the other hand, nurseries are a major source of introduction of PPN in orchards by transplanting rooted plants. In this context, the study of the diversity of PPN communities was conducted in 25 olive nurseries located in the main olive producing areas in Morocco (Souss, Haouz, Guerouane, Jbala). A total of 305 soil samples were analyzed. The NPP detected belonged to the Hoplolaimidae (Helicotylenchus spp., Rotylenchus spp.), Telotylenchidae (Tylenchorhynchus spp.), Meloidogynidae (Meloidogyne spp.) and Tylenchidae (Trichotylenchus spp.) families. Although no symptom have been observed on roots, the mean abundance of these genera was very high (up to 56,640 individuals/dm3 of soil). Biochemical (PAGE) and molecular (SCARS) diagnosis was focused on root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), that are major pests of olive trees. It indicated a dominance of M. javanica (72%) on M. incognita (25.5%), while M. arenaria was detected in one nursery only. This study shows the necessity for nurse producers to provide a health guarantee seedlings through traceability of substrates.To control the development of PPN in nurseries and orchards after transplantation, microbiological control using nematophagous fungi (NF) proves a suitable alternative to nurseries (inoculation to substrates). Thus, 70 soil fungal strains were isolated, including a large diversity of Orbiliaceae with trapping organs (Arthrobotrys spp., Dreschlerella spp., Monacrosporium spp.) and of toxic Hypocreaceae (Trichoderma asperellum, T . harzianum, T. longibrachiatum, Talaromyces assiutensis). Egg-parasitic species such as Paecilomyces lilacinus (dominant) and Pochonia chlamydosporia were also present. Several endoparasitic species were also observed as Catenaria anguilullae, Nematoctunus leiosporus and Haptoglossa heterospora. In vitro predation tests revealed that T. assiutensis was able to kill 100% of the M. javanica juveniles. The Orbiliaceae strains killed 50 to 80% of the juveniles. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, co-inertia, K-tables) pointed out the main impact of climate variables (rainfall and minimum temperatures) and of the substrate origins (ecological habitats) on the diversity of both PPN and NF communities. Mineral amendments (NPK), organic matter, acidity (pH) and clayey substrates have less significant impacts. The varieties multiplied had no effect.Co-structure analyses between PPN and NF communities indicated significant correlations between Orbiliaceae and Meloidogyne spp., which confirms the interest of NF as biocontrol agents for the management of PPN.The experimental monitoring of growth and sporulation physiology of the NF strains exhibited high fitness for the Trichoderma species while the Orbiliaceae have low growth and sporulation.The studies commissioned as part of this thesis (i) confirm that the diversity of PPN communities may be relevant indicators to assess the health of substrates in olive nurseries for certification purposes, and (ii) offer future prospects for the development of microbiological management strategies of these parasites respectful of the environment.

Os nematoides que atualmente tem sido classificados como P. coffeae, demonstram ampla variabilidade morfológica, molecular e quanto à reação à diferentes hospedeiros. Por conseguinte, é essencial que se identifique corretamente as espécies e que se conheça a capacidade de parasitismo em alguns hospedeiros, para que se possa estabelecer medidas de controle e estimar eventuais riscos da entrada de um patógeno em uma área com hospedeiro suscetível. Neste sentido, a presente pesquisa propõe, numa primeira parte, uma medida de controle de P. jaehni (K5), que é muito agressivo à cafeeiro arábico, baseada no uso de plantas má hospedeiras. Na segunda parte deste trabalho é realizada uma caracterização da reação de diferentes espécies vegetais à quatro populações de Pratylenchus spp. Em virtude do exposto, este estudo objetivou avaliar a reação de diferentes cultivares de feijoeiro comum frente à P. jaehni (K5), visando seu possível uso no manejo de áreas cafeeiras infestadas e caracterizar a reação de diferentes espécies vegetais de importância econômica (café, porta-enxertos cítricos, banana e sorgo) frente à quatro populações de Pratylenchus spp. As populações inciais utilizadas nos experimentos variaram entre 180 e 200 nematóides. Em todos os experimentos, os nematóides foram extraídos das raízes pelo método de Coolen e D´Herde (1972) e, eventualmente, do substrato pelo método de Jenkins (1964). Foram realizados três ensaios: i) o primeiro com feijoeiro comum, onde todas as cultivares utilizadas foram resistentes à P. jaehni (K5), inclusive na réplica; ii) o segundo com porta-enxertos cítricos, no qual somente o limão-cravo foi hospedeiro de P. jaehni (K5); iii) o terceiro, no qual foi utilizado café, limão-cravo, banana e sorgo para o conhecimento das respectivas reações frente à 4 populações de Pratylenchus spp. Neste último experimento ocorreu uma reação hospedeira diferenciada para cada população. De acordo com os resultados, concluise que as cultivares de feijoeiro comum utilizadas apresentam potencial de uso em áreas cafeeiras infestadas por P. jaehni (K5), em consórcio ou em áreas de renovação de cafezal, e que as populações de Pratylenchus spp. são capazes de se reproduzir de forma diferenciada frente às espécies vegetais testadas. / Nematode populations that have been classified as P. coffeae show wide morphological, molecular and host range variability. Therefore, is essential the correct identification of the species and the knowledge about its parasitism capacity on some hosts, to ensure appropriate control measures and to estimate the entry risks of a pathogen in an area with susceptible host. In this sense, the present research report, firstly, propose a control measure of P. jaehni (K5), which is very aggressive to the arabic coffee, based on the use of poor host plants. In the second part, was carried out a host status evaluation of different plant species to four populations of Pratylenchus spp. In this context, were evaluated the reaction of different common bean cultivars to P. jaehni (K5), for its possible use in management of coffee areas infested with this nematode, and characterized the response of different economic important plant species (coffee, citrus rootstocks, banana and sorghum) to four populations of Pratylenchus spp (IB01P, IB02P, K5 e C1). The initial population used in experiments ranged between 180 and 200 nematodes. In all experiments, nematodes were extracted from roots by Coolen e D\'Herde´s method (1972) and eventually from the substrate by Jenkins´ method (1964). Three assays were conducted and results was as following: i) in the first one, with common bean, all tested cultivars were resistant to P. jaehni (K5), including the replica; ii) in the second one, with rootstocks, only rangpur lime was a good host of P. jaehni (K5); iii) in the third one, in which was used coffee, rangpur lime, banana and grain sorghum, was observed a differential host reaction for each nematode population evaluated. According to the present results, we suggest that common bean cultivars tested have great potential for use, or in intercropping or in crop rotation, in coffee areas infested by P. jaehni (K5) and populations of Pratylenchus spp. have different reproductive fitness in the plants species tested.

Realizou-se estudo da fauna de fitonematóides em dois municípios do estado de São Paulo (Pariquera-Açu e Cananéia) sob domínio da Mata Atlântica e dois do estado do Mato Grosso (Nova Maringá e Guarantã do Norte) sob domínio da Floresta Amazônica, com o objetivo de conhecer a diversidade de fitonematóides desses biomas e avaliar o efeito do uso agrícola do solo sobre a comunidade de fitonematóides. Para tanto, foram efetuadas amostragens em áreas de vegetação primária e em áreas próximas cultivadas. Para cada amostra, foram extraídos os nematóides de 200 cm³ de solo e em 10 gramas de raízes pela técnica de peneiramento combinada com flutuação em centrífuga com solução de sacarose. Em seguida, os espécimes foram mortos pelo calor e fixados em formalina. Os nematóides foram posteriormente quantificados, para determinação da abundância de cada táxon, sendo as identificações taxonômicas realizadas com base em características morfológicas e morfométricas. Os dados foram analisados com base na abundância, freqüência e índices de similaridade (Jaccard e Bray e Curtis). Assinalaram-se 34 gêneros e as identificações específicas foram efetuadas para 22 táxons. Para a espécie Aorolaimus banoae foram apresentadas novas características morfológicas e morfométricas. Observou-se que, com a retirada da vegetação primária e a implantação dos cultivos de plantas perenes ou anuais, houve intenso processo de redução da diversidade de fitonematóides e da introdução de novos táxons, o que resultou em baixa similaridade entre os locais de vegetação primária e aqueles cultivados, demostrando-se elevada influência da atividade agrícola sobre a comunidade de fitonematóides. / A study about plant parasitic nematode fauna was conducted in two municipalities from São Paulo State (Pariquera-Açu and Cananéia in the Atlantic Forest) and two from Mato Grosso State (Nova Maringá and Guarantã do Norte in the Amazon Forest), Brazil. The aims of this study were to evaluate the diversity of plant-parasitic nematode fauna in locations of primary and to evaluate the effect of agricultural land use on the plant parasitic nematode communities. Nematodes were extracted from 200 cm³ of soil and 10 grams of roots by a sieving and sugar flotations technique and fixed with formalin. Nematodes were counted for determination of abundances of each taxon and the taxonomic identification was based on morphological and morphometric features. The following variables were obtained: abundance, frequency and similarity indexes (Jaccard and Bray e Curtis). A total number of 34 genera were recorded and 22 taxons were identified at species level. Concerning Aorolaimus banoae species, new morphological and morphometric features were presented. It was observed that, after removal of primary vegetation and implantation of perennial or annual crops, occurred a conspicuous reduction of plant parasitic nematode diversity, associated with introduction of exotic species, resulting in low similarity between location of primary vegetation and the cultivated ones. The results demonstrated that the agricultural practices affect strongly the plant parasitic nematode communities.

Realizou-se estudo da fauna de fitonematóides em dois municípios do estado de São Paulo (Pariquera-Açu e Cananéia) sob domínio da Mata Atlântica e dois do estado do Mato Grosso (Nova Maringá e Guarantã do Norte) sob domínio da Floresta Amazônica, com o objetivo de conhecer a diversidade de fitonematóides desses biomas e avaliar o efeito do uso agrícola do solo sobre a comunidade de fitonematóides. Para tanto, foram efetuadas amostragens em áreas de vegetação primária e em áreas próximas cultivadas. Para cada amostra, foram extraídos os nematóides de 200 cm³ de solo e em 10 gramas de raízes pela técnica de peneiramento combinada com flutuação em centrífuga com solução de sacarose. Em seguida, os espécimes foram mortos pelo calor e fixados em formalina. Os nematóides foram posteriormente quantificados, para determinação da abundância de cada táxon, sendo as identificações taxonômicas realizadas com base em características morfológicas e morfométricas. Os dados foram analisados com base na abundância, freqüência e índices de similaridade (Jaccard e Bray e Curtis). Assinalaram-se 34 gêneros e as identificações específicas foram efetuadas para 22 táxons. Para a espécie Aorolaimus banoae foram apresentadas novas características morfológicas e morfométricas. Observou-se que, com a retirada da vegetação primária e a implantação dos cultivos de plantas perenes ou anuais, houve intenso processo de redução da diversidade de fitonematóides e da introdução de novos táxons, o que resultou em baixa similaridade entre os locais de vegetação primária e aqueles cultivados, demostrando-se elevada influência da atividade agrícola sobre a comunidade de fitonematóides. / A study about plant parasitic nematode fauna was conducted in two municipalities from São Paulo State (Pariquera-Açu and Cananéia in the Atlantic Forest) and two from Mato Grosso State (Nova Maringá and Guarantã do Norte in the Amazon Forest), Brazil. The aims of this study were to evaluate the diversity of plant-parasitic nematode fauna in locations of primary and to evaluate the effect of agricultural land use on the plant parasitic nematode communities. Nematodes were extracted from 200 cm³ of soil and 10 grams of roots by a sieving and sugar flotations technique and fixed with formalin. Nematodes were counted for determination of abundances of each taxon and the taxonomic identification was based on morphological and morphometric features. The following variables were obtained: abundance, frequency and similarity indexes (Jaccard and Bray e Curtis). A total number of 34 genera were recorded and 22 taxons were identified at species level. Concerning Aorolaimus banoae species, new morphological and morphometric features were presented. It was observed that, after removal of primary vegetation and implantation of perennial or annual crops, occurred a conspicuous reduction of plant parasitic nematode diversity, associated with introduction of exotic species, resulting in low similarity between location of primary vegetation and the cultivated ones. The results demonstrated that the agricultural practices affect strongly the plant parasitic nematode communities.

Os nematoides que atualmente tem sido classificados como P. coffeae, demonstram ampla variabilidade morfológica, molecular e quanto à reação à diferentes hospedeiros. Por conseguinte, é essencial que se identifique corretamente as espécies e que se conheça a capacidade de parasitismo em alguns hospedeiros, para que se possa estabelecer medidas de controle e estimar eventuais riscos da entrada de um patógeno em uma área com hospedeiro suscetível. Neste sentido, a presente pesquisa propõe, numa primeira parte, uma medida de controle de P. jaehni (K5), que é muito agressivo à cafeeiro arábico, baseada no uso de plantas má hospedeiras. Na segunda parte deste trabalho é realizada uma caracterização da reação de diferentes espécies vegetais à quatro populações de Pratylenchus spp. Em virtude do exposto, este estudo objetivou avaliar a reação de diferentes cultivares de feijoeiro comum frente à P. jaehni (K5), visando seu possível uso no manejo de áreas cafeeiras infestadas e caracterizar a reação de diferentes espécies vegetais de importância econômica (café, porta-enxertos cítricos, banana e sorgo) frente à quatro populações de Pratylenchus spp. As populações inciais utilizadas nos experimentos variaram entre 180 e 200 nematóides. Em todos os experimentos, os nematóides foram extraídos das raízes pelo método de Coolen e D´Herde (1972) e, eventualmente, do substrato pelo método de Jenkins (1964). Foram realizados três ensaios: i) o primeiro com feijoeiro comum, onde todas as cultivares utilizadas foram resistentes à P. jaehni (K5), inclusive na réplica; ii) o segundo com porta-enxertos cítricos, no qual somente o limão-cravo foi hospedeiro de P. jaehni (K5); iii) o terceiro, no qual foi utilizado café, limão-cravo, banana e sorgo para o conhecimento das respectivas reações frente à 4 populações de Pratylenchus spp. Neste último experimento ocorreu uma reação hospedeira diferenciada para cada população. De acordo com os resultados, concluise que as cultivares de feijoeiro comum utilizadas apresentam potencial de uso em áreas cafeeiras infestadas por P. jaehni (K5), em consórcio ou em áreas de renovação de cafezal, e que as populações de Pratylenchus spp. são capazes de se reproduzir de forma diferenciada frente às espécies vegetais testadas. / Nematode populations that have been classified as P. coffeae show wide morphological, molecular and host range variability. Therefore, is essential the correct identification of the species and the knowledge about its parasitism capacity on some hosts, to ensure appropriate control measures and to estimate the entry risks of a pathogen in an area with susceptible host. In this sense, the present research report, firstly, propose a control measure of P. jaehni (K5), which is very aggressive to the arabic coffee, based on the use of poor host plants. In the second part, was carried out a host status evaluation of different plant species to four populations of Pratylenchus spp. In this context, were evaluated the reaction of different common bean cultivars to P. jaehni (K5), for its possible use in management of coffee areas infested with this nematode, and characterized the response of different economic important plant species (coffee, citrus rootstocks, banana and sorghum) to four populations of Pratylenchus spp (IB01P, IB02P, K5 e C1). The initial population used in experiments ranged between 180 and 200 nematodes. In all experiments, nematodes were extracted from roots by Coolen e D\'Herde´s method (1972) and eventually from the substrate by Jenkins´ method (1964). Three assays were conducted and results was as following: i) in the first one, with common bean, all tested cultivars were resistant to P. jaehni (K5), including the replica; ii) in the second one, with rootstocks, only rangpur lime was a good host of P. jaehni (K5); iii) in the third one, in which was used coffee, rangpur lime, banana and grain sorghum, was observed a differential host reaction for each nematode population evaluated. According to the present results, we suggest that common bean cultivars tested have great potential for use, or in intercropping or in crop rotation, in coffee areas infested by P. jaehni (K5) and populations of Pratylenchus spp. have different reproductive fitness in the plants species tested.

La banane plantain (Musa paradisiaca) est l’aliment de base de millions de personnes dans le monde et sa culture génère des revenus permanents pour un grand nombre d’agriculteurs, dans des plantations de taille petite ou moyenne. Comme dans d’autres régions tropicales, la culture du plantain en Guadeloupe et en Haïti est soumise à de fortes contraintes parasitaires aussi bien telluriques (i.e. du sol : nématodes phytoparasites et charançon du bananier) qu’aériennes (Cercosporiose noire notamment). Les moyens de lutte conventionnels reposent sur l’usage de produits de synthèse dont les effets néfastes sur l’environnement (sols, eaux, animaux) comme sur la santé humaine ne sont plus supportables. Il est donc urgent de réfléchir à des solutions agro-écologiques permettant de rétablir les équilibres biologiques, de maintenir une bonne qualité des sols et une production optimale dans les systèmes de culture plantains. C’est le but de ce travail de thèse qui couple la réalisation d’un diagnostic agro-écologique dans des parcelles paysannes, et le test d’alternatives agro-écologiques en milieu semi-contrôlé. Pour ce faire, une typologie des systèmes de culture plantains a été réalisée à l’issue d’une enquête agro-environnementale dans les deux zones d’étude. Elle a permis de sélectionner 23 parcelles en Guadeloupe et 12 en Haïti dans lesquelles un diagnostic agro-écologique a été conduit. Sur la base de ce diagnostic et de la recherche d’alternatives agro-écologiques à l’usage des produits chimiques, une expérimentation au champ a été mise en place en Guadeloupe en station de recherche, permettant le test de trois pratiques culturales innovantes pour le plantain (seules et combinées), à savoir : i) l’introduction d’une plante de service Paspalum notatum pour la gestion des adventices et la réduction de l’utilisation d’herbicides ; ii) l’apport de vermicompost pour le contrôle des nématodes phytoparasites inféodés au bananier plantain et la fertilisation de celui-ci ; iii) l’utilisation de plants sains PIF (Plants Issus de Fragments de tiges) indemnes de nématodes et de larves de charançon du bananier. La typologie des systèmes de culture plantains révèle que : i) en Guadeloupe les précédents : jachère, ananas et banane plantain sont prédominants avec un niveau d’intensification faible (apports d’intrants chimiques faibles et peu fréquents) ou élevé (apports d’intrants chimiques élevés et plus fréquents) ; ii) en Haïti, les précédents : jachère, banane plantain et manioc prédominent avec un niveau d’intensification faible ou nul (apport d’intrants inexistant). Les résultats du diagnostic agro-écologique montrent que, i) lorsque le niveau d’intensification est faible, les bananeraies plantains pérennes et le précédent-ananas permettent de maintenir une bonne qualité du sol et une bonne régulation des parasites telluriques ; ii) lorsque le niveau d’intensification est fort, les populations d’ingénieurs du sol diminuent drastiquement, alors que le cortège parasitaire tellurique augmente sans que cela n’affecte l’obtention de bons niveaux de rendement instantannés (parcelles précédées d’ananas ou d’une jachère principalement) ; iii) en absence totale de fertilisation, il résulte une diminution de l’activité biologique du sol mais aussi du rendement du plantain, exacerbé par le choix des précédents-culturaux (manioc ou banane plantain) en lien avec les contraintes pédoclimatiques et la maladie des raies noires (Cercosporiose noire) causée par Mycosphaerella fijiensis, notamment au sein des parcelles Haïtiennes ; iv) la succession plantain/plantain est la plus pénalisante vis-à-vis de la culture du plantain, car quelque soit le niveau d’intensification, le rendement reste relativement faible, en lien avec une dégradation de l’état sanitaire, comparativement aux autres précédents. / Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) is the staple food of millions of people worldwide and its cropping generates ongoing revenues for many farmers who are planting small or medium size areas. As in other tropical regions, plantain cultivation in Guadeloupe and Haiti is under heavy parasitic constraints terrestrial (plant-parasitic nematodes and banana weevil) as well as aerial (black Sigatoka in particular). Conventional means of control based on the use of synthetic products which adverse effects on the environment (soil, water, animals ...) as on human health are not bearable any more. It is thus urgent to think about agroecological solutions allowing to restore the biological balances, to maintain good soil quality and optimal plantain cropping systems.This is the ultimate goal of this thesis which couples the realization of an agroecological diagnosis in peasants’ plots, and the test of agroecological alternatives in semi-controlled conditions. To do this, a typology of plantain cropping systems was carried out from an agrienvironmental survey in the two study areas. It allowed to select 23 plots in Guadeloupe and 12 in Haiti in which an agroecological diagnosis was implemented. Based on this diagnosis and the research of agroecological alternatives to the use of chemicals, a field experiment was set up in Guadeloupe, in an experimental station allowing the test of three innovative practices for plantain cultivation (alone and combined), namely : i) the introduction of a cover-crop Paspalum notatum for weed control while reducing the use of herbicides ; ii) the input of worms’ compost to control plant-parasitic nematodes specific to plantain and to fertilize it ; iii) the use of healthy “PIF” plants (plants issued from stem fragments) free from telluric pests (nematodes and weevil’s larvaes).The typology of plantains cropping systems shows: i) in Guadeloupe the previous crops are: fallow pineapple and plantain predominate with a low level of intensification (low and infrequent chemical inputs) or high (high and frequent chemical inputs); ii) in Haiti, the previous crops are: fallow, plantain and cassava predominate with a low level or no intensification at all (no inputs). The results of the agroecological analysis show that : i) when the level of intensification is low, perennial plantain and pineapple as previous crops help maintaining a good soil quality and a good regulation of the telluric pests ; ii) when the level of intensification is strong, the soil engineers drastically reduce, while the density of telluric parasites increases without affecting good levels of instantaneous yields (plots where the previous crop is pineapple or mostly fallow) ; iii) when the fertilization is totally missing, it decreases the biological activity of the soil furthermore the plantain yields, exacerbated by the choice of the previous crop (cassava or plantain), in connection with soils and climate constraints and the black Sigatoka caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis, especially in the Haitian plots ; iv) the crop succession plantain/plantain is the most critical regarding the plantain’s cropping, because whatever the level of intensification, the yields remain relatively low in connection with a degradation of the health state, compared to other previous crops.The driving of an experiment in a research station shows that on the scale of one year, the three tested innovative practices allow maintaining a good soils quality. Healthy plants "PIF" have a better health state (absence of plant parasitic nematodes in the roots) which helps a significant increase of the yields. Cover-crop P. notatum helps the weeds and the soil pests control and favors the improvement of soil biological activity and plantain yields. Worms’ compost contributes to the maintenance of a better soils quality while allowing the regulation of the populations of plant-parasitic nematodes of the plantains.