Nematodes threat to banana

PLANT-PARASITIC nematodes pose a serious threat to banana cultivation in Tamil Nadu. The most destructive and widely distributed nematodes are the burrowing nematode radopholus similis, the lesion-nematode pratylenchus coffeae and the spiral nematode helicotylenchus multicinctus. Infested plants exhibit severe decline in growth and vigour, premature defoliation, unthrift ness and produce small bunches of fruits. The infection destroys the primary roots and disrupts translocation leading to poor anchorage. This condition is called `Black-head toppling' disease.

Research work was carried out in Department of Pomology, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and the following integrated management practices have been suggested to combat the nematode problem. The suggested measures are the following:

- Paring and pralinage with carbofuran 3G at 40g/ sucker at the time of planting (Paring the planting material by trimming away necrotic lesions and immerse in mudslurry (1 part soil: 3 parts of water) and sprinkle feuredon granules over the surface).

- Monocrotophos 36 EC dip (dip the suckers in 0.05 per cent solution (1.5 ml in 1 lit of water) at the time of planting.

Application of carbofuran 3G at 40g/ sucker at three months after planting

Intercrop with crotolaria juncea 45 days after planting and incorporate into the field before flowering.

A.SHANTI, N.KUMAR & R.S. AZHAKIAMANAVALAN

TNAU Coimbatore 3

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