Management of brinjal disease complex caused by root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum)

Abstract

Meloidogyne incognita is one of the most widespread and damaging plant-parasitic nematodes in all vegetable crops ((Roy, 1972). A yield loss of 22.15 per cent due to attack of M. incognita on brinjal in Orissa was recorded by Subhrajyoti (2014). In addition, root-knot nematode facilitates the entry and establishment of pathogenic fungi and bacteria (Powell, 1971). The disease complex formed by the interaction between M. incognita and Ralstonia solanacearum on brinjal (Swain et al., 1987). Hence this experiment was designed to standardize bio management practices for the nematode wilt complex in brinjal. The results revealed that the plots treated with the bioagents Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf 1) @2.5kg/ha and Purpureocillium lilacinum @2kg/ha recorded the highest reduction in the nematode population with soil (71.44) and root (84.24) at the time of harvest when compared to control. Significant reduction in root knot index (1.3) was also observed in treated plot. These results subsequently increase the yield of brinjal yield(33t/ha) when compared to control and also recorded the highest cost benefit ratio of 1:2.2. While the untreated control plants recorded the lowest yield of (20t/ha).