Diversity of nematode destroying fungi in Taita Taveta, Kenya

Abstract

The diversity of nematode destroying fungi in Taita Taveta, Wundanyi division, Coast Province, Kenya, was investigated between May 2006 and December 2007 aiming at harnessing their potential in the biological control of plant parasitic nematodes in the area. Given that the intensity of land cultivation is continually increasing in the study area, it is prudent to document the status of the nematode destroying fungi before the remaining forest habitats are ultimately disrupted. Soil samples were collected from forest, maize/ bean, napier grass, shrub and vegetable fields, which represented the main land use types in the study area. The soil sprinkle technique method was used to isolate the nematode destroying fungi from the soil. The fungi were identified to species level. Eighty-five isolates, distributed in eight genera and 14 taxa were identified as nematode destroying fungi. The species identified were Arthrobotrys dactyloides, Arthrobotrys oligospora, Arthrobotrys superba, Acrostalagamus obovatus, Dactyllela lobata, Harposporium aungulilae, Harposporium liltiputanum, Harposporium spp, Haptoglosa heterospora, Monacrosporium asterospernum, Monacrosporium cianopagum, Myzocytium, spp, Nematoctonus georgenious and Nematoctonus leptosporus. Vegetable land use had the highest diversity of nematode destroying fungi. The results show that the study area is rich in nematode destroying fungi with A. oligospora being widespread and a possible candidate for biological control of plant parasitic nematodes