Management of Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita Using Pochonia chlamydosporia on Okra

Management of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita infecting okra was achieved through in-vitro, in-vivo and micro plot trials by an antagonistic fungus, Pochonia chlamydosporia. Effect of seed treatment and soil application of P. chlamydosporia was studied at various doses under in-vivo and micro plots. A 96% egg parasitism of M. incognita by P. chlamydosporia was recorded in laboratory condition. P. chlamydosporia caused significantly enhanced plant health and suppressed M.incognita population in all the treated plants. The highest recovery up to 81% in plant vigor was recorded in the treatment that received soil application of the P. chlamydosporia @ 3% w/w under pot trial. In micro plot trial, a general increase in all the growth parameters was observed in all the treatments receiving P. chlamydosporia except root weight that was greatest in control (Nematode only). The highest recovery in plant vigor with maximum reduction in nematode multiplication including final soil population was recorded in treatment that received soil application @ 30 g/plot at sowing time coupled with seed treatment @ 3% w/w over control.