FITONEMATOIDES ASSOCIADOS À CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR (Saccharum spp.) NA REGIÃO SUL DO ESTADO DE GOIÁS

Abstract

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is one of the most important agricultural crops worldwide, with Brazil standing out as the largest global producer. The state of Goiás ranks as the second-largest producer in the country, behind only São Paulo. However, the productivity and longevity of sugarcane fields have been severely affected by plant-parasitic nematodes, which are among the main factors causing economic losses to the crop. These pathogens are classified into several genera, the most significant being Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, and Rotylenchulus. This study aimed to identify and analyze the occurrence of the main plantparasitic nematodes in sugarcane-producing areas in the southern region of Goiás. A nematological survey was conducted during the 2019/2020 growing season on farms located in the municipalities of Morrinhos and Goiatuba. Twenty-five samples were collected, covering approximately 10,000 hectares, and analyzed at the Agricultural Nematology Laboratory through extraction, fixation, and identification procedures. The main nematode genera and species identified and their respective frequencies were: Helicotylenchus dihystera (100%), Criconemoides (76%), Pratylenchus zeae (76%), Pratylenchus brachyurus (24%), Meloidogyne spp. juveniles (16%), and Xiphinema spp. (16%). The widespread presence of Helicotylenchus dihystera in all samples, along with the high frequency of Pratylenchus spp., highlights the potential for significant yield losses. Given these results, accurate diagnosis and integrated management practices are essential, including the use of resistant cultivars, proper cultural techniques, and biological or chemical control alternatives. Therefore, the lack of proper management remains one of the major challenges to sustainable sugarcane production in southern Goiás.