Abstract
Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is an increasingly important fruit crop in Burkina Faso; however, its production is constrained by plant-parasitic nematodes, whose diversity and impact remain poorly documented. A survey of papaya orchards across 9 production regions identified 10 nematode genera, with Rotylenchulus, Helicotylenchus, Meloidogyne, Scutellonema, and Pratylenchus as the most frequent and abundant. Regional patterns indicated that Meloidogyne, Rotylenchulus, Helicotylenchus, and Scutellonema were widespread, and the High-Basins region harbored the richest nematode diversity. Papaya monocultures presented significantly higher nematode densities than intercropped systems, while banana and eggplant associations reduced populations. Meloidogyne and Rotylenchulus populations were influenced by climatic factors, with frequencies positively correlated with temperature and negatively with rainfall and humidity. Molecular characterization confirmed the widespread presence of Meloidogyne javanica and identified Rotylenchulus reniformis 0type A in papaya orchards. This study provided the first comprehensive description of nematode distribution in papaya systems, offering valuable insights for developing targeted nematode management strategies in Burkina Faso.