Bio-efficacy of Emamectin Benzoate for management of Meloidogyne incognita in Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)

A replicated pot culture experiment was conducted in net house condition for management of root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in Chilli (Capsicum annuum) by application of biologically-derived product, Emamectin Benzoate 5 SG (Missile) as bare root dip treatment for one hr in different concentrations (0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 & 0.1%). An untreated inoculated check and a chemical check (Carbosulfan 25% EC @ 0.2%) were used as comparison. The result indicated significant increase in plant growth parameters and decrease in nematode infectivity in the treatments at higher doses over untreated check. Seedling root dip in Missile 0.1% for 1 hr significantly increased plant height (36.3%), fresh shoot weight (43.0%), dry shoot weight (22.7%), root length (39.7%), fresh root weight (49.9%) and dry root weight (21.8%) with significant reduction in number of galls and egg masses/plant (78.3 & 79.3%) as well as final nematode population (69.7%) over the untreated check. This treatment (seedling root dip by Emamectin Benzoate 5 SG @ 0.1%) was at par with the chemical check (carbosulfan 25 EC @ 0.2% as seedling root dip). The root-dip applications of Emamectin Benzoate 5 SG @ 0.1% may be recommended for eco-friendly management of M. incognita in chilli.