Evaluation of Plant Materials as Root- Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) Suppressant in Okra (Abelmuscous esculentus)
Summary
Plant parasitic nematodes are one of the most important pests on agricultural fields; they cause serious damage to crops. Synthetic pesticides have been used lately to combat the menace of nematodes. Pesticide residues have however been detected in fruits and vegetables due to the residual effect of nematicides in the environment. To minimize the negative effect of synthetic nematicides, it is important to search for alternative plant protection methods. In this study, plant materials (Euphorbia heterophylla, Hyptis suaveolens, Eucalyptus officinalis, Ocimum gratismum and Crotolaria juncea) were investigated as soil amendments for possible reduction of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) populations on okra (Abelmuscous esculentus). Results revealed that the highest rate of amendment with E. officinalis reduced significantly (p<0.05) the number of root galls, egg masses and juveniles, with a simultaneous increase in okra yield. Thus soil amendments with E. officinalis could be an alternative to synthetic nematicide in M. incognita management.
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