Potential of two nematophagous mites in suppressing root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica on okra

In pot experiments, the nematophagous mites, Tyrophagus putrescentiae and Hypoaspis calcuttaensis (@ 5, 10 and 15 mites per kg soil) reduced the root galling by Meloidogyne javanica (@ 1000 juveniles per kg soil) on okra. The final soil population of nematode was also reduced significantly. However, T. putrescentiae failed to multiply in pot soil but managed to survive only. On the other hand, H. calcuttaensis multiplied very well-from an initial lwel of 15 mites per kg soil, its number increased to 115 by the end of the experiment (45 days).