Relationship Between Nematode Populations and Corm Rot in 'Bun Long' Taro Production

Abstract

In 1990, commercial producers on Moloka'i started to experience increasing levels of corm rot in their fields. Corm rots were also present in extension field demonstrations and trials. Samples were collected for analysis, but there was not much success in identifying a primary causal agent. Nematodes were the only positively identified agent. A hypothesis was developed that the corm tissue breakdown or rot was the result of root damage caused by nematodes that resulted in a restricted uptake of calcium by the roots and hence a calcium nutrient deficiency. In these experiments, the incidence of corm rot was independent of nematode infestation.