Effect of root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) on papaya plant

Carica papaya seeds were planted in 3 kg capacity pots and filled with sterilized soil: sand in the ratio 2:1. One-month old papaya saplings were inoculated with J2 stage juveniles of M. incognita. After 60 days of inoculation, above and below ground symptoms were observed. Inoculated plants showed stunted growth, reduced branches and chlorosis in above ground parts. On the other hand, root system was reduced and showing gall formation. Plant growth parameters like fresh shoot and root weight, plant height decreased gradually from the inoculum level of 20 to highest inoculum level of 2000 juveniles per pot, but the number of galls and egg masses per root increased progressively with increase in inoculum level from 20 to 2000 juveniles per pot. There was significant difference in plant height, shoot and root weight and number of galls and egg masses per root, between the treatments and control.