The host reaction of eight banana cultivars (Musa spp.) to nematodes was assessed in a field experiment. Three cultivars evaluated were members of AAA Group (Grande Naine, Nanicão and Nanicão Jangada) and five belonged to AAB Group (Prata, Enxerto, Prata Zulu, Maçã and Mysore). All cultivars were infested by Meloidogyne arenaria race 1, rated as efficient hosts. The AAA Group cultivars and Mysore were also efficient hosts to Radopholus similis, whereas Prata, Enxerto and Maçã were not. Helicotylenchus dihystera was detected at low density populations in soil and root samples of all cultivars.
Musa spp.; cultivars; host reaction; Radopholus similis; Meloidogyne arenaria race 1; Helicotylenchus dihystera