First Report of Root-knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on Eclipta alba in Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh India

Bringraj (Eclipta alba) is a valuable medicinal plant of the Indian subcontinent widely used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems. It commonly occurs as weed in and around agricultural fields in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh. During 2025-2026, a preliminary investigation was conducted at NIU Farm, Dankaur, Jewar, Chholus village, G.B. Nagar, U.P., India. The surveys based on 285 samples revealed highest frequency of occurrence of Meloidogyne incognita on E. alba at the NIU farm (85%) and lowest at Chholas village (67%). The soil population of M. incognita also varied among the surveyed locations, with the highest density recorded at the NIU farm (598 J₂ /100 g soil) and the lowest at Jewar (180 J₂/100 g soil). The gall index was 4 (severe) at the NIU farm and Dankaur. The findings indicate that E. alba serves as a suitable host for survival and multiplication in absence of crop hosts in cultivated fields. The findings necessities need of effective weed management and field sanitation practices to minimize nematode multiplication during the off season.