Management of Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Through Bio-agents

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita has been associated with okra and responsible for severe economic losses. To develop suitable technology for the management of M. incognita on okra, bio-agents viz. Paecilomyces lilacinus, Pochonia chlamydosporia and Pseudomonas fluorescens were used at 0.5%, 1%, 2% w/w as seed treatment along-with treated (Trichoderma viride at 2% w/w) and untreated check for comparison. Observations on plant growth characters and nematode reproduction parameters were recorded. Results revealed that plant growth significantly enhanced with seed treatment of bio-agents. Maximum plant growth and minimum root-knot nematode infection was recorded when seeds were treated with T. viride followed by P. lilacinus and P. chlamydosporia each at 2% over untreated check. Results clearly indicated that bio-agents can be effectively employed as seed treatment to tackle root-knot nematode menace on okra.