Evaluation ofAmaranthus sp. andVernonia amygdalina, and soil amendments with poultry manure for the management of root-knot nematodes on eggplant

The suppressive effect of vernonia (Vernonia amygdalina), amaranth (Amarathus sp.) and poultry manure on root-knot nematodes (RKNs) (Meloidogyne spp.) infecting eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon) was studied at two sites in southern Benin naturally infested with these nematodes. After 3 months, soil and root-inhabiting RKN populations were significantly less (P≦0.05) in the plots cropped with vernonia, amaranth, and eggplant amended with poultry manure (PM) at the rate of 40 t ha⁻¹ as compared with the rate of 20 t ha⁻¹ and with the control. Poultry manure was more effective after 2 months than after 3 months. Overall, vernonia was the most effective treatment affecting RKN populations in the roots and the soil. The use of these treatments in nematode management through rotation and co-planted crops is discussed. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting August 6, 2008.