author(s)
Jenias Ndava, Tichaona Wilbert Mapuwei and Peggy Katiyo

abstract
The present study was carried out from March to May 2017 at Dema Growth Point in Seke District of Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe to investigate the prevalence of plant parasitic nematodes in tomatoes grown in different soil pH and texture conditions. The field soil was classified as sandy loam, whilst the garden soil was classified as clay loamy. Out of a total of 235 nematodes identified, 70.6% were from the fields, while 29.4% were from the gardens. The plant parasitic nematodes, Meloidogyne spp, Helicotylenchus spp and Pratylenchus spp were identified. The Meloidogyne spp accounted for 50.6% of the total population, while 26.4% were Helicotylenchus spp and 23.0% were Pratylenchus spp. A strong negative correlation (r = -0.935) between nematode population and soil pH was observed. High nematode infestation was found in root samples of tomatoes grown in acidic soil (pH 5.8) and low infestation was in samples grown in alkaline soil (pH7.7).