Plant parasitic nematodes associated with Cyphomandra betacea (Cav.) Sendtn., Solanum quitoense Lam. and Daucus carota L. in Boyacá, Colombia

Fruits and vegetable from moderately cold climates supply part of the national demand food for country. However, their successful production is limited by pathogens and parasites. Nematodes cause yield losses up to 100%, principally by facilitating pathogen complexes. Published studies from Colombia do not include reports for agricultural regions of Boyacá. The present study tries contextualizing information about nematodes associated to tree tomato, lulo and carrot, as well as the symptoms they cause. The farms were sampled in the municipality of Buenavista and Ventaquemada, where production is perform in a highest level. Soil and roots samples of rhizosphere were collected and processed by the methods of Coob and Bird, respectively. Populations, ecology and parasitism were evaluated and genera of plant-associated nematodes were found for tree tomato and lulo Meloidogyne and Helicotylenchus, also Pratylenchus corresponding to carrot; previously reported for these hosts in other parts of Colombia. Average populations in soil and roots were higher, however, since threshold levels for economic damage were not establish and recorded, it is not clear if these levels must be considered low or high. Symptoms observed in roots and shoots indicated that the nematode damage was mostly due to Meloidogyne in galls. Symptoms corresponding to pathogen complexes were also performed. The results of this study will form the basis of a management plan, taking into account the agroecological conditions of the area of study