Root-knot nematode management: non-chemical methods

23/06/2020

François-Xavier Branthôme

India,

PacificAsia

Protected cultivation technology helps to cope up with the climatic uncertainties and is lately becoming farmer’s choice for production of crops like tomato, capsicum and cucumber. Among the different pathogens attacking tomato grown under protected structures, root knot nematode is increasingly becoming a constraint for sustaining productions.

Deregistration of frontline nematicides has shifted focus to alternative methods for management of this pathogen. A recent study therefore intends to evaluate and understand the comparative efficacy of non-chemical methods with chemical methods for management of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita.

In a study from researchers at Punjab Agricultural University in India recently published in the Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, application of chemical Dazomet @ 40g/sq.m showed maximum decrease in root knot nematode infestation in soil as well as roots of tomato. Amongst the non-chemical methods, neem cake and marigold @ 250g/sq.m exhibited decrease in nematode infestation effectively.

Shoot length and shoot weight were also increased by application of these treatments giving additive effect. In this study, though the application of chemicals comparatively decreased nematode infestation to greater extent as compared to non-chemical treatments, but due to their ill effects on health and environment as well as tomato being directly consumable these are not suggested for use. So, the use of eco-compatible non-chemical methods of neem cake as well as marigold are useful option for management of root knot nematode in tomato under protected cultivation.