Introduction. This rearing technique is applicable to migratory nematodes (e.g., Pratylenchus spp. and Radopholus similis) for mass production of nematodes for experimental purposes, conservation of nematodes, and direct studies of nematodes’ multiplication or reproduction mechanisms. The principle of the method applied, key advantages, starting plant material and time required are presented. Materials and methods. Necessary laboratory materials, and details of the nine steps required for the preparation of carrot discs, preparation of nematodes, inoculation of nematodes and collection of nematodes out of petri dishes are described. Possible troubleshooting is explained. Results. Several thousands of nematodes can be extracted out of one carrot disc after 6–8 weeks of culture, depending on nematode species and geographical population.

Introduction. The centrifugal-flotation technique allows all nematode species and life stages to be separated from root debris and residual soil particles to facilitate their observation. The principle of the method applied, key advantages, starting plant material and time required are presented. Materials and methods. Necessary laboratory materials, and details of the 19 steps required for extracting nematodes from plant tissue for counting are described. Possible troubleshooting is explained.

Introduction. The techniques presented allow a long-term conservation of Cylindrocladium strains to preserve them from major morphological and physiological changes. The principle of the methods applied, key advantages, starting plant material, time required and expected results are presented. Materials and methods. The necessary laboratory materials, and details of the nine steps achieved for the monospore purification of Cylindrocladium strains, their long-term maintenance, and the production of conidia and microsclerotia are described. Results. When revived, purified strains generate actively growing colonies within 48–72 h. Such colonies can then be readily used for conidia or microsclerotia production.

Introduction. This protocol aims at detecting Cylindrocladium spp. in root and soil samples from banana fields and at quantifying the inoculum. The principle of the two methods applied [Root Slice Plating Method (RSPM) and Soil Isolation Method (SIM)], the key advantages of these methods, starting plant and soil materials, the time required and the expected results are presented. Materials and methods. Necessary laboratory materials, and details of the six steps achieved for the use of the two methods are described. Results. When using the RSPM, typical Cylindrocladium colonies are isolated in petri dishes. When using the SIM, typical Cylindrocladium colonies originate from microsclerotia embedded or not in banana root tissue. The inoculum density can be calculated.

Introduction. This protocol aims at detecting and evaluating sensitivity shifts in Pseudocercospora musae (teleomorph: Mycosphaerella musicola) populations towards fungicides that are currently sprayed to control Sigatoka disease of banana. The principle, key advantages, starting plant material, time required and expected results are presented. Materials and methods. Necessary laboratory materials, and details of the seven steps of the protocol achieved during four days of experiments are described. Results. The protocol results in the observation of conidial germination of P. musae (pattern or germ tube elongation) according to the sensitivity to fungicides.