Indian Journal of Nematology

Studies were made to determine the relationships between different pH levels (3.0, 4.5, 6.0, 7.5, 9.0), nematode inoculation (5000 juveniles/pot) and growth/oil yield of Ocimum canum under glasshouse conditions. In nematode free plants fresh herb yield of O. canum was inversely proportional to pH levels as against oil content being directly proportional to pH levels. Highest reduction in herb and oil yield of plants, inoculated with Meloidogyne incognita, was observed at pH 7.5 and lowest at 3.0 as compared to uninoculated plants. Root-knot nematode reproduced maximum between pH 6.0 to 7.5 and minimum at pH 3.0. Herb and oil yield of O. canum was significantly different at the tested pH levels. Effect of pH on nematode reproduction and root-knot index was significant only at the highest and lowest pH levels.