Identification of Nematode Problems in Medicinal, Aromatic and Spice Plants in Punjab, India

For the identification of nematode specific problems in medicinal, aromatic and spice plants (MASPs) in Punjab, soil and root samples were collected from Satyal Herbal Park, Bajwara Road and Bassi Jana Park, Tanda Road, Hoshiapur and PAU Herbal Garden, Ludhiana. Root knot nematode infection was observed in the roots of Uchanti, Vajradanti, Maljan, Patthar chaat, Rudraksh, Kali tulsi, Bavchi, Stevia, Turmeric, Safed musali and Mentha. Root knot nematode juveniles were recovered from the rhizosphere of Bun tulsi, Kal maig, Sada bahar, Palmarosa, Lajwanti, Aonla, Patchouli, Tukhm malanga, Fenugreek, Ashvagandha, Dama booti, Sinduri, Keokand, Fennel and Coriander. Also reniform nematode infestation was observed in Bun tulsi and Patchouli. Criconemoides insignis, Xiphinema americanum, Macrorhynchus mashhoodi and Psilenchus hilurus are being reported for the first time from the rhizosphere of different MASPs in Punjab.