Integrated Management of Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita infecting Banana

Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita, has emerged as an important nematode pest of banana (Musa spp.) in recent years. The nematode causes root galling, impairs nutrient uptake, and reduces the yield. The present study evaluates the efficacy of organic amendments (neem cake, mustard cake, and marigold), biocontrol agent (Trichoderma harzianum), and organic consortium against M. incognita under pot and field conditions. Results showed that the maximum height of banana plants (83.5 cm), the greatest girth (21.2 cm), and the highest number of leaves (7.1) were recorded with organic consortium under pot conditions, and also lowest galls/plant, root-knot index (1.9), and soil population of M. incognita juveniles (J₂) (4.55J₂/g soil) were observed. Similarly, under field conditions, plants treated with the organic consortium recorded maximum plant height (156.5 cm), pseudostem girth (42.2 cm), number of leaves (13.3), and yield (10.8), and the lowest galling and juvenile population were recorded. Other treatments were also found effective. It is concluded that the organic consortium along with T. harzianum can effectively control M. incognita infestation in banana and improve the plant growth and productivity.