Influence of different fertilizers and nematicides on number of nematode galls and yield of okra in summer season in Chitwan, Nepal

A field experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, to determine the influence of different fertilizers and nematicides on the number of nematode galls ( Meloidogyne spp.) and yield of okra (var. Arka Anamika) in summer season in Chitwan, Nepal. This experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design (RCBD) which includes 7 treatments and 3 replications. The treatment included: goat manure, sesame (til) cake, mustard seed cake, poultry manure, Furacron (carbofuran), vermicompost and untreated control including only chemical fertilizer (NPK). All treatments were added to provide a sufficient amount of nitrogen required for the crop as per the recommendation. The remaining amount of required phosphorous and potassium was supplied by adding single super phosphate and muriate of potash, respectively. All treatments, except poultry manure had significantly superior germination at 7 days after seeding (DAS). Similarly, all treatments compared with control had significantly less gall index at 70 DAS; Furacron had least gall index at both 60DAS and 70DAS. The highest net profit was found in the case of poultry manure while the highest incremental cost-benefit ratio was obtained in Furacron. The highest yield (20t ha -1 ) and least number of galls were obtained in poultry manure which was as effective as a Furacron treatment. This experiment suggests the use of either poultry manure or Furacron, both of which will provide higher economic return and decrease the root-knot nematode in okra. However, use of carbofuran has recently been banned in Nepal.