Ecofriendly Management of Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Abstract

The pertinence of bio-control agents applied with plant-based materials is a highly efficient and reliable sustainable management practices in agriculture. The present study dealt with the repercussion of various bio-control agents and oil seed cakes viz., Trichoderma viride, neem cake, T. viride+neem cake, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Beauveria bassiana, T. harzianum, soybean cake and castor cake were used against root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) crop. The results showed, all of the bio-control agents and oil seed cakes, either used alone or in combination, suppressed the galls of the root knot nematode. Significant growth parameters and yield of the fruits were perceived in plants treated with combination of T. viride+neem cake followed by P. lilacinus, T. viride, T. harzianum, neem cake, B. bassiana, soybean cake and castor cake respectively. Merest root galls were found in a T. viride+neem cake combination. T. viride was the most effective bioagent and in case of oil seed cakes, neem cake was the most effective in improving growth parameters and reducing root galls caused by M. incognita in the okra crop.