Impact of Integrative Management Strategies on the Reproduction of Root Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

Present investigation was planned to check the impact of bio (Cure, Azadirachtin) and synthetic (Cartap, Virtako) chemicals individually and concomitantly with fertilizers on the development of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita and the growth of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. Tomato seedlings were transplanted in sterilized soil amended with Cartap, Virtako, Cure and Azadirachtin at their recommended doses and inoculated with 500 freshly hatched juveniles (J2s) of M. incognita. Data were recorded after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days to check the invasion and development stages. All the treatments significantly reduced invasion and subsequent development of M. incognita in roots. Different application methods regarding protective and curative were used to test the efficacy of Cartap, Virtako, Cure and Azadirachtin. Results revealed that Protective application of bio and synthetic chemicals was more effective at nematode suppression rather than being curative. Then the impact of bio and synthetic chemicals were tested in combination with NPK on nematode reproduction. Following treatments i.e. Virtako + NPK, Cartap + NPK, Cure + NPK, Azadirachtin + NPK, control (N) and control (H) with ten replications were applied in pots containing tomato seedlings. Inoculation of 2000 freshly hatched J2s of M. incognita was done. Results revealed that combined effect was more pronounced in reducing nematode reproduction and improving plant growth. Maximum number of J2s was recorded in nematode control (1241.0) while a dynamic decline was observed in Cartap+NPK, Virtako+NPK, Cure+NPK and Azadirachtin+NPK (144.4, 162.2, 198.1, 216.6) respectively. Combined application of selected chemicals with fertilizers not only reduced nematode reproduction but also improved plant growth. So, the integrated use of chemicals with fertilizers could be a successful tool in management strategies of root knot nematode.