Department of Nematology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003 (Tamil Nadu)
The aim of this study was to evaluate potassium humate against root-knot nematode infection and the biochemical changes which resulted in significant reduction on the rate of nematode build up and numbers of eggs/egg mass. Humic acid applied at the rate of 20 kg/ha appeared to be more suppressive to nematode buildup. The higher dose was more effective than the lower one. The phenol contents were found to be highest as the dosage increased. The study indicates a higher rate of protein synthesis during invasion of nematodes for initiation of early primary resistance mechanism by the plants to combat nematode attack. Sugar levels coincides with gall formation in the root tissue by the nematode and indicates greater sugars in the attacked tissue for providing nutrition to the nematodes for their growth and survival. In addition, potassium humate changes the physical as well as the tropic structure of soil which affects the nematode development and overall plant growth performance.
Potassium humate, Meloidogyne incognita, Vegetable crops
