Estimation of yield loss in cumin caused by root-knot nematode, M. javanica

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is one of most significant seed spice crop of rabi season grown in semi-arid area (tropical and sub-tropical) in India. Cumin attacked by various diseases and insects but nematode problem become severe for cumin production. Among the nematodes root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp. is most important problem and may cause significant economic losses due to favorable soil and environmental conditions in growing area. With this view, present experiment was taken to estimate the avoidable yield losses caused by Meloidogyne javanica in cumin under field condition with the application of carbofuran @ 2 kg a.i. ha^-1 over check. Results showed that carbofuran application significantly reduced number of galls per plant, number of egg masses per plant, and final nematode population. Avoidable yield losses in cumin were recorded to the tune of 50.61% by M. javanica.