Diversity and Distribution of Plant Parasitic Nematodes Associated with Medicinal Plants in West Bengal, India

Nematode, commonly known as round worm, is considered as one of the major constraint of medicinal plants which can compromise the quality and quantity of their healing properties and their yield. In West Bengal, more than 550 plant species are found to be used medicinally. But, so far only a few species of medicinal plants have been found to be associated with plant parasitic nematodes. Till date, 17 species of nematodes belonging to 10 genera and 9 families under two orders Dorylaimida and Tylenchida have been recorded so far from West Bengal. The diversity and district-wise distribution of those species along with affected medicinal plants in the state are presented in this paper. This will give an idea by which controlling measures may be taken against those hidden and noxious pest of different medicinal plants to eradicate or minimize the damages caused by them.