BOTANICALS- AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MAIZE CYST NEMATODE, HETERODERA ZEAE ON MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

Abstract

Maize cyst nematode, Heterodera zeae (Koshy et al.) has been reported to cause significant losses in Rajasthan due to monocropping of maize, favorable soil and environmental conditions and ignorance of management practices. In present investigation, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica), aak (Calotropis procera) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) leaf powder for the management of maize cyst nematode, H. zeae on maize variety PEHM-2. Plant leaf powders were applied at 1, 2 and 4 g/plant as soil amendment at the time of sowing. A treated chemical check (Phorate 2 kg/ha) and untreated check were also maintained for interpretation of experimental results. Results indicated maximum increase in shoot length, root length, shoot weight and root weight which were observed when neem leaf powders were applied at 4 g/plant followed by aak and water hyacinth leaf powders at 4 g/plant. Significant reduction in nematode population viz., cyst/plant, cyst/100 cc soil, eggs and larvae/cyst and larvae/100 cc soil was also observed with neem leaf powders at 4 g/plant over control.