Integrated management of rootknot nematode on brinjal

BRINJAL (SOLANAUM melongena) is susceptible to nematode invasion due to multiple cropping pattern, good moisture level prevailing and continued presence of host. Rootknot caused by meloidogyne incognita is the most destructive nematode.

Among the various control measures existing so far, the cultural methods are not generally appreciated due to time limit, economic pressure on land use and other practical constraints. Though the use of chemicals is found to be very effective in managing nematodes, their utility is limited due to higher cost, non- availability, environmental pollution, residual problem as vegetable crops come to harvest quickly.

So an attractive and promising alternatives is the use of biological agents for integrated nematode management as they are environmentally safe and cost effective.

Experiment was carried out at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore by utilisation of naturally occurring biocontrol agents like pasteuria penetranasand Glomus fascicultum were used in integrated nematode management with neem product (as Neemark) and nematicide (as furadan).

All the treatments, Neemark (0.03 per cent EC) at 1.25 L/m-2, Carbofuran (3G) at 13.33 g/m-2, pasteuria penetrans and Glomus fasiculataum were applied individually and in combinations in the root-knot nematode infested nursery beds.

Then known quantity of brinjal seeds `Erengere' were sown in these nursery beds.

Thirty days old seedlings were from these nursery beds and transplanted to the main field. The treatments were completely randomised in three replications with both inoculated and uninoculated checks.

Observations on host growth parameters, nematode population and reproduction at harvest were recorded.

From the above studies, results indicated that the combined application of biological agents penetrans and g. fascicultaum), chemical (carbofuran) and neem product (neemark) were significantly improved the plant growth and performed well in reducing the nematode population when compared to untreated control.

M.C.Ranganatha

Department of Plant Pathology University of Agricultural Sciences Bangalore.

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