Efficacy of Vermicompost Against Root-Knot Nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. in Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) Tobacco

Root knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp cause serious problems in both nursery and main field crop of flue cured Virginia tobacco crop. As an alternative to chemical nematicides, vermicompost was evaluated against root knot nematodes in both nursery and main field crop. Experimental results revealed that, application of vermicompost @ 2 kg/sq.m in nursery resulted in increase of healthy transplants count by 28.7% and decreased root knot index (RKI) by 45.3% compared to check. Similarly in main field crop, vermicompost @ 4t/ha improved cured leaf yield productivity by 7.6% compared to check. Vermicompost @ 6t/ha resulted in 58.2% reduction in RKI compared to check. Results clearly indicate the usefulness and effectiveness of vermicompost as an alternative organic source to reduce root knot nematode incidence and to improve FCV tobacco crop productivity.