Use of organic amendments for the control of root-knot nematode In brlnjal

Abstract

Two field experiments were conducted - one for evaluating oilcakes and another for evaluating organic wastes for the control of the root-knot nematode Meloldogyne incognita infesting brinjal, (These experiments were carried out in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, in an area already infected by root-knot nematode. The experiments were laid out in randomised block design with three replications. In the first experiment there were ten treatments including the control and in the second experiment there were eleven.treatments including the control. Organic amendments were applied to the soil three weeks prior to planting and watering was done during this period for the proper, decomposition of these materials. Results were assessed in terms of yield, growth parameters, gall formation and population of nematode. Results indicated that the nematode population in roots as well as in soil was significantly reduced by the application of oilcakes and organic wastes. It was also observed that the intensity of gall formation on roots was considerably reduced as a result of application of organic amendments. Reduction in the population of the nematode and in the intensity of gall formation in turn resulted in bettor crop stand and increase in yield. (Different methods of application vis. application in the planting pit and broadcasting in the plot did not vary in efficacy.