Indian Journal of Nematology

Four chemicals, viz. aldicarb (Temik 10-G), carbofuran (Furadan 3-G), fensulfothion (Dasanit 5-G), and phorate (Thimet 10-G) each @ 2,4 and 6kg a.i./ha were applied in basin area of nematode-infested grapevines (var. Perlette) to determine their comparative efficacy. Phytonematodes infesting grapevines included Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Longidorus and Xiphinema (940 nematodes/kg soil). Apart from the lowest dose (2kg a.i./ha) of aldicarb, fensulfothion and phorate and fensulfothion @4 kg a.i./ha, all the doses of different chemicals used registered significant increase in yield over the control. Aldicarb @6 kg a.i./ha was found to increase yield by 26.1 per cent as compared to control. Highest reduction (71.4%) in nematode popluation was also observed at the highest dose of aldicarb. Production of higher number of Meloidogyne males in soil treated with aldicarb was noticed. A tendency in males to develop intersexes was also observed, indicating a phenomenon affecting normal development. Among all these chemicals, aldicarb @ 6 kg a.i./ha appears to be the most effective chemical for controlling nematodes associated with grapevines. On the basis of cost benefit ratio (1:3.6), application of aldicarb @ 6 kg a.i./ha can be advocated.