Response of N,P,K and zn fertilizers on cereal cyst nematode and growth of wheat

A pot experiment was conducted in screen house in CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2016–17 for studying the effects of N,P,K and Zn fertilizers on wheat growth and cereal cyst nematode population. Urea, single super phosphate (SSP), Muriate of potash (MOP) and zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) were applied singly and in combinations, and compared with a control without fertilizers. Growth parameters of wheat were reduced significantly in infested soil than uninfested soil, irrespective of nutrient application. Maximum plant growth was observed where all nutrients were applied and minimum where no nutrients applied. Maximum number of cysts and cyst contents were found in the treatment where no nutrients were applied. Nematode reproduction was significantly reduced by nitrogen application.