Efficacy of Brassica Tissue and Chalim TM on Control of Plant Parasitic Nematodes

Abstract

Nematodes, as parasite, contributes to a high losesin crops. Brassicaspecies produce general biocides called glucosinolates which are nematocidal. ChalimTM (Calcium hypochlorite) is a chemical biofumigant. The study was carried out in three seasons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of Brassica tissue and Chalim TM in the management of root knot nematodes. The effect on plant parasitic nematode (PPN) populations was determined in the 24 plots upon soil sampling. Data was then taken and analyzed for various parameters. The results showed that nematode loads reduced significantly using ChalimTM303.75 g and Brassica extract 5292 g compared to the control. The findings revealed that the population of plant parasitic nematode varied significantly (P<0.05) throughout the three seasons among the treatments with CM911.25 having the highest population, while CM303.75 was found to have the least. Various phytonematodes like Helicotylenchus, Pratylenchus, Meloidogyne (root knot nematodes), Tylenchus and Heterodera were present in all seasons with Meloidogyne, Tylenchus and Heterodera populations varying significantly in seasons two and three. A significant correlation relationship was established (r=0.415, P<0.05) between the PPN and the soil pH although the relationship was not significant (P>0.05) in RKN, Filenchus and Tylenchulus species. Brassica tissue improved moisture content and reduced PPN population at higher rates of application.

Keywords: Brassica, Biofumigation, Helicotylenchus, Pratylenchus, Meloidogyne, Tylenchus and Heterodera, Tylenchus, Heterodera