An Evaluation of Biocontrol Agents Against Sugarcane Lesion Nematode, Pratylenchus Zeae

Field experiments were conducted at Sugarcane Research Station, to find out the field efficacy of ecofriendly management of lesion nematode, Pratylenchus zeae in sugarcane.  The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with thirteen treatments replicated three times.  The initial nematode population was assessed prior to planting by analysing the soil samples.  Soil samples were collected on 90, 180, 270 and 360 days after planting the cane.  The soil samples were processed and analyzed for nematode population.  The germination percentage was counted on 35 days after planting.  The tiller count was taken up on 90 days after planting.  Cane samples were collected on 10th month and analyzed the juice for commercial cane sugar percentage.  The pooled analysis of the two years, main and ratoon crop data revealed significant reduction in the population of lesion nematode, Pratylenchus zeae in sugarcane plants treated with Carbofuran 3G 1kg a.i/ha followed by neem cake @ 2t/ha and Purpureocillium lilacinum 2.5kg/ha. Significant reduction in nematode population was observed upto harvest of the crop.  The above treatment also significantly enhanced the cane yield.  The treatment Carbofuran @ 1kg a.i/ha, neem cake 2t/ha and Purpureocillium lilacinum 2.5kg/ha resulted 79.87, 77.65 and 75.94 percent reduction in lesion nematode population over control.  The above treatments also enhanced the no. of millable cane/ha, cane yield, sugar yield, commercial cane sugar and benefit cost ratio.  The cost benefit ratio worked out for the treatments Carbofuran @ 1kg a.i/ha, neem cake 2t/ha and Purpureocillium lilacinum resulted 1:2.89, 1:2.66 and 1:2.58 respectively

Not Available

Not AvailableNot AvailableNot Availabl

Biological Control of Root knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita Using Nematode Antagonist in Tomato

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the world's largest vegetable crop after potato and sweet potato. Root knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita, pose a significant threat to tomato crops worldwide. To combat this nematode pest, biological control methods have been developed to reduce the reliance on chemical nematicide and promote sustainable agriculture practices. The antagonistic fungi/ bacteria can colonize the root zone and produce enzymes that have nematicidal properties. These methods of control not only protect the tomato crop but also promote the overall health and resilience of the agro eco system. Highest reduction of root knot nematode adult females (73.2 per cent), egg masses (81.4 per cent) and eggs (63.5 per cent) and nematode population in soil (65.5 per cent) were occurred with the application of P. lilacinum as soil application among all the treatments. The lowest gall index (1.0) was recorded in case of soil application of P. lilacinum followed by seed treatment (1.42) of the same whereas it was on bar (2.13) with each other while applying seed treatment and soil application of T. asperellum

Nutrient Management Strategies for Groundnut-blackgram Cropping Sequences

Aims: To refine nutrient management practices for the groundnut-blackgram cropping sequence, focusing on enhancing both yield and quality. Study Design:  The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Regional Research Station in Vridhachalam during the Kharif and rabi season of 2016-17. Methodology: The experimental encompassed various nutrient levels applied to groundnut in the main plots: M1-Control, M2-100% RDF, M3-125% RDF, and M4-150% RDF. Additionally, different nutrient levels were applied to the blackgram subplot: S1-Control, S2-50% RDF, S3-75% RDF, and S4-100% RDF. Results: Analysis of the results indicated that use of 125% RDF in groundnut significantly provide higher pod yield (2657 kg/ha). However, the control group recorded a significantly lower pod yield. Subsequent blackgram seed yield was notably influenced by inorganic fertilizers applied to the preceding groundnut crop. In blackgram, the application of 75% RDF resulted in a higher number of pods per plant (34.6), No. of branches/plant (7.8) and seed yield (823 kg/ha). This performance was comparable to the application of 100% RDF Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of optimizing nutrient management practices, particularly the combination of 125% RDF for groundnut, to enhance pod yield, while the application of 75% RDF demonstrated positive effects on subsequent blackgram seed yield