Management of Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne javanica Infecting Cardamom

For managing the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica infecting cardamom, two experiments were conducted in farmers field located at Thovalapadi and Pampadumpara of Idukki district, Kerala, for two consecutive years 2014–2015 and 20152016. The experiments consisted of nine treatments including untreated check and maximum reduction in nematode population was recorded by cartap hydrochloride 4% G 1kg a.i/ha. This was followed by the application of neem cake @ 2kg/plant. Among the bio control agents B. macerans 1x10⁷ cfu @ 30g/plant was the most effective treatment in reducing the population of nematodes followed by P. lilacinum 1x10⁷cfu @ 30g/plant and P. fluorescens 1x10⁸ cfu @ 30g/plant. Cartap hydrochloride 4% G @ 1kg a.i./ha was the most effective treatment in increasing the yield attributes like number of panicles/plant, capsules/panicle, fresh weight of capsules and yield of cardamom for both the years. Neem cake @ 2kg/plant was the next best treatment in increasing the yield. Among the bio control agents B. macerans 1x10⁷ cfu @ 30g/plant was the most effective treatment in increasing the yield of cardamom. Cartap hydrochloride 4% G @ 1kg a.i./ha was statistically superior treatment in reducing the number of galls/5g roots. This was at par with neem cake @ 2kg/plant.