The root-burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis is considered to be the most destructive nematode associated with banana production worldwide. This nematode can reduce plant growth and yield by more than 50% and decrease the productive life of banana fields. R. similis control in the Windward Islands banana industry has been based on the application of synthetic nematicides, which are now prohibited due to human health and environment hazards. One possible alternative is the utilisation of plant extracts with known nematicidal effects such as Azadirachta indica and Allium sativum. The efficacy of these phytochemicals at managing R. similis were assessed and compared with a synthetic nematicide, ethoprophos (Mocap 15G) in two banana pot trials. There were five treatments (Control A, Control B, Neem X, Garland, and Mocap 15G) with 6 plants per treatment. The results of the root and soil extractions showed that all treatments caused a significant reduction in R. similis population density (P = 0.05), with Mocap 15G being the most effective. From the plant growth data it was observed that all treatments caused a significant increase in plant growth (P = 0.05). No significant difference in the pseudostem length and girth, as well as, the leaf number and area were observed between treatments. The root and corm weights also showed no significant differences between treatments. The efficacy of botanical nematicides and their effect on banana production in the Windward Islands are discussed.

Keywords: allicin, azadirachtin, botanical control, nematostat, Trinidad and Tobago.