The coconut palms grown in homestead and plantation situations suffer
considerable damage due to infestation by plant-parasitic nematodes right from the
seedling stage. Many plant feeder nematodes have been reported from coconut.
Economically, the most important key nematode pest in India is the burrowing
nematode, Radopholus similis, a migratory endoparasite causing typical root lesions
and rotting symptoms on tender roots. An extensive, widespread occurrence was
recorded in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, causing a 30% yield loss in the
coconut cropping system. Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp., the devastating
nematode pest of vegetables, spices, medicinal and fruit intercrop/mixed crops under
coconut cropping system, also caused significant yield loss. This chapter discussed
symptoms caused by nematode pests and different management practices.
Keywords: M. incognita, Management, Nematodes, Plantation crops, Radopholus similis.