Out break of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) disease in rice and farmers' perceptions

Heavy infestations of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne graminicola on rice was observed in an area of 1500 ha under Kaveri river basin in Mandya District, Karnataka state, India. All the popular rice cultivars grown in the region were susceptible to the nematodes. Nematode build up was low in the fields planted with seedlings from nurseries treated with carbofuran @ 1kg a.i./ha. Application of carbofuran @ 1 kg/ha was ineffective. Farmers had no knowledge on the nature of root-knot nematode damage in rice.