Biological control of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) with predatory nematode, Fictor composticola on cucumber
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Date
2019-11
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CCSHAU, Hisar
Abstract
Investigations were carried out on the effect of prey density levels of Meloidogyne incognita on the
predation efficiency of Fictor composticola and compatibility of F. composticola with Pasteuria penetrans
under in vitro and pot conditions. Efficacy of organic amendments on predation efficiency of F.
composticola for the management of Meloidogyne incognita on cucumber was also studied and
combinations of best organic amendments with F. composticola was compared with carbofuran under screen
house conditions.
In the experiment on effect of predation efficiency of F. composticola on prey density levels of M.
incognita, predation increased with increase of prey density. Per cent consumption was minimum at highest
(2000 J2 per plate) prey density level and maximum at 500 prey density level. The prey consumption after 48
h was higher than after 24 h. Minimum number of galls and egg masses were found in the treatment where
250 J2 inoculum level was applied. Presence of predatory nematode, F. composticola reduced the nematode
population. In in vitro compatibility test, P. penetrans encumbered J2 were consumed more by predator than
the healthy juveniles as the adherence of endospores slows down the movement of such juveniles and the
chances of predation by F. composticola are increased. In pot experiment, maximum reductions in numbers
of galls and egg masses were observed after F. composticola inoculation alongwith juveniles encumbered
with P. penetrans endospores, which indicated that there was reduced penetration of juveniles into the roots
of cucumber plants resulting in reduction of these parameters. Among all organic amendments, maximum
population of F. composticola was found in chicken manure followed by vermicompost. Neem cake had the
maximum plant weight among all amendments, but maximum root-knot nematode population reduction was
recorded in FYM followed by neem leaves. Among oilcakes, castor cake reduced maximum nematode
population but neem cake improved maximum plant growth. FYM was better than chicken manure and
vermicompost in reducing nematode population. Among plant leaves, minimum nematode population and
maximum plant growth was found in the treatment of neem leaves. Among the four combinations of
different organic amendments, F. composticola + chicken manure + neem cake + neem leaves was found
best in reducing number of galls, egg masses and final root-knot nematode population. The predator
population was enhanced by the chicken manure and the plant growth was more in the combination of
chicken manure, neem cake and neem leaves. The predator population was maximum in the treatment
having chicken manure + neem cake + neem leaves and the treatment without amendments has minimum
predator population. Integration of F. composticola + chicken manure + neem cake + neem leaves was more
effective than carbofuran in improving plant growth as well as in reducing nematode population.