Survey of farmer's fields for the association of plant parasitic nematodes and wilt fungi with pigeonpea and quantification of losses

Farmer's fields, growing pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), at different localities in Agra, Aligarh, Bulandshahr, Hathras and Mathura districts were surveyed. Wilt disease complex (Fusarium udum), Heterodera cajani/Meloidogyne spp) was most severe problem in its cultivation. Severity of stunting, yellowing and wilting of plants appeared directly proportional to the population of pigeonpea cyst nematode, H. cajani. Population of some other nematodes, such as Tylenchorhynchus brassicae, Hoplolairnus indicus and M. incognita was high at some localities. Maximum population of H. cajani was in Bulandshahr followed by Agra, Aligarh, Mathura and Hathras. Population of cysts in soil was comparatively high in irrigated areas than in rainfed areas. Infection of roots by Fusarium udum was observed at all the localities surveyed.