Crotalaria and millet as alternative controls of root-knot nematodes infecting okra

The relationship of crops grown in rotation or in succession has increased every day and the use of antagonistic plants and/or non-host plants is one of the most efficient practices of integrated management of nematodes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of crotalaria (Crotalaria spectabilis Roth) and millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) Leeke] ‘ADR 300’ in reducing the population of Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica and in increasing the productivity of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] when cultivated in succession. The experiment was conducted in an area cultivating okra (host culture) in rotation, with a history of severe infestation by phytonematoids. The experimental design involved randomized blocks with six treatments and four replicates, with the following treatments: T1, 15 kg.ha-1 of millet seeds; T2, 30 kg.ha-1 of crotalaria; T3, 10 kg.ha-1 of millet + 20 kg.ha-1 of crotalaria; T4, 20 kg.ha-1 of millet + 6 kg.ha-1  of crotalaria; T5, 6 kg.ha-1 of millet + 36 kg.ha-1 of crotalaria; and T6, control. The nematode populations in the soil and roots were evaluated about 60 d after planting okra, and the yield was evaluated at the end of the crop cycle. Simple treatment with millet or crotalaria reduced the nematode population by 61% and 72%, respectively. The millet-crotalaria intercropping treatments reduced the nematode population by up to 85% compared with the control. In terms of productivity, there was an increase of 787 kg.ha-1 in the millet treatment and 2,109 kg.ha-1 in the intercropping treatments. Both the single cultivation of crotalaria or millet and the consortia of crotalaria and millet were effective in controlling the root-knot nematodes, and increased the productivity of okra

Immunity of sugarcane cultivars to Meloidogyne enterolobii

Brazil is currently the world’s largest producer and exporter of sugarcane, and the crop has high socioeconomic importance in the country. Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are one of the major limiting factors in sugarcane production. These plant parasites have wide geographic distribution, high damage potential, and are difficult to control. Recently, the species Meloidogyne enterolobii was identified in sugarcane crops in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Given the importance of genetic resistance for integrated nematode management and the lack of research on the M. enterolobii–sugarcane pathosystem, this study aimed to assess the response of sugarcane cultivars to M. enterolobii. Thirteen cultivars were evaluated for their resistance to M. enterolobii based on the nematode reproduction factor. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in a completely randomized design, with 14 replicates. Pre-sprouted sugarcane seedlings were transplanted to 5 L pots, and each pot was considered an experimental unit. At 15 days after transplanting, the seedlings were inoculated with 5,000 eggs and second-stage juveniles of M. enterolobii. Tomato and okra plants were also inoculated to test the viability of the inoculum. At 240 days after inoculation, plant roots were processed and evaluated for nematode number. This parameter was used to calculate the nematode reproduction factor on each cultivar. All sugarcane cultivars were found to be immune to M. enterolobii, with a reproduction factor of 0