Agriculturae Conspectus Scientificus, Vol 83, No 4 (2018)

Efficacy of Agricultural Wastes in the Control of Rice Cyst Nematode (Heterodera sacchari)

Oluwatoyin Adenike FABIYI, Oluremi Solomon OSUNLOLA, Gabriel Ademola OLATUNJI, Khassim Ajeka UMAR

Pages: 329-334

Summary


Rice cultivation is endangered by plant parasitic nematodes. Rice cyst nematode (Heterodera sacchari Luc & Merni, 1963) is one of the nematode pests which affect the quantity and quality of rice. The use of synthetic nematicide has reduced considerably yield losses incurred by H. sacchari infestation; this achievement is associated with environmental damage and occurrence of pesticide residue in food. In an effort to redeem the environment, development of alternatives to conventional nematicide is imperative. Agricultural wastes are renewable source of bio-pesticides if properly processed. The objectives of this research were: to hydrolyze pentoses and convert it to furfural in agricultural wastes; to determine the amount of furfural in 100, 150 and 200 g of agricultural waste; to incorporate the agricultural waste material into the soil as soil amendment; to determine how much furfural was released in the process of acidic/enzymatic hydrolysis of the biomaterial, and to determine the nematicidal effect of furfural in control of rice cyst nematode. Corn cobs (CNCB), rice husks (RCEH) and sorghum husks (SGMH) were digested for furfural production in place of synthetic nematicide carbofuran (CBFN) options in the management of rice cyst nematode. The quantity of furfural in 100, 150 and 200 g of each waste was determined, and the agricultural wastes were applied as soil admixes. The sorghum husk (SGMH) produced the highest furfural amount (0.796). At quantity of 200 g SGMH was significantly (p=0.05) better than all other treatments on plant height, number of tillers and rice yield. There was no significant difference of the effect of rate of application (level) on final cyst count in soil and root. Agricultural wastes, especially sorghum husks, can serve as an alternative to the use of synthetic nematicide. Residual furfural was absent in the agricultural waste after harvest. Furfural is quickly broken down by soil microorganisms under aerobic conditions; hence, it is not toxic to the environment.

 


Keywords


pollution; hydrolysate; nematicide; extraction; furfural; Heterodera sacchari; sorghum husks

Full Text: PDF