Occurrence and distribution of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii in guava (Psidium guajava L.) in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Survey was done in major guava growing districts of Tamil Nadu viz., Coimbatore, Erode, Theni, Madurai, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Villupuram, Thiruvannamalai and Dindigul for incidence for guava root knot nematode, M. enterolobii was found to be positive in all districts. M. enterolobii infested guava orchards in each district surveyed had revealed appropriate symptoms such as bronzing of leaves with marginal necrosis, simple and compound galls in the roots and browning of younger and older leaves which finally resulted in wilting of the infested plants. The investigation from this survey revealed highest population of M. enterolobii both in 200g soil (414) and 5g roots (588) in Theni district while the lowest population was found at Villupuram district with 263 per 200g soil and 467 per 5g root.