Ecofriendly management of root-knot nematodes on Eggplant using compost

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) became a true limited factor for eggplant production worldwide. Experiments were designed to evaluate the effectiveness of different compost types on RKN management in Eggplant under greenhouse conditions. Different compost types i.e. plant, animal, rice straw and maize wood compost at different doses 10, 20, 30, 50 and 100g/ pot were used. Results indicated that all evaluated treatments showed a great potential in decrease all related nematode parameters i.e. number of galls, egg masses, females/root system and second stage juveniles(J2s)/250g soil compared with control. The most effective treatment in reducing all nematode parameters was animal compost. Results illustrated that all compost types markedly increased eggplant growth parameters. The highest plant growth parameters enhancement obtained when plants treated with animal compost at 10g/ pot, followed by maize wood compost at the same rate of 10g/ pot. The lowest plant enhancement recorded with rice straw compost at 100g/ pot.