Population Dynamics of Root Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood on Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) under varied irrigation systems

Field experiment was conducted to study the distribution and population dynamics of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in tuberose under surface and drip irrigated conditions during October, 2017 to March, 2018. The highest M. incognita population was recorded at 5 cm horizontal distance from the bulb with 1020 cm vertical depth in surface irrigated condition, whereas it was maximum at 2.5 cm horizontal distance with 0–10 cm depth in drip irrigated condition. This indicated the diverse behaviour of nematode population with difference in horizontal and vertical distances in the crop rhizosphere under varying irrigation systems. Soil population was the highest during October whereas root population was maximum during December, under both the irrigation systems. With reference to the crop stage, soil population was at its peak during the vegetative phase while root population was the highest during flowering phase.