Effect of Meloidogyne incognita on growth, physiology and oil yield of Ocimum sanctum

Influence of varying initial inoculum densities (Pi) of Meloidogyne incognita on growth, physiological/biochemical changes and oil content of Ocimum sanctum cv. Shyama was studied under glasshouse conditions. An inversely proportional relationship was observed between Pi and fresh and dry weights, total chlorophyll, sugar, phenol and oil content of O. sanctum. The intensity of root galling was directly proportional to the increase in Pi. Highest reduction in all the growth parameters was observed in plants inoculated with highest Pi (2.1 J2/g of soil). The highest reproduction factor (Rf = 20.37) was found in plants inoculated with lowest Pi (0.1 J2/g of soil).