Amendment of soil with African marigold and sunn hemp for management of Meloidogyne incognita in selected legumes

Field experiments were conducted in 2008 and 2009 in the tropical rainforest zone of Nigeria to investigate the effects of amendment of soil with seedlings of African marigold (Tagetes erecta) and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) incorporated singly in plots on Meloidogyne incognita and yield of cowpea and soybean. The experimental field, which was naturally free of plant-parasitic nematodes, was inoculated with chopped roots of M. incognita race 2-infected Celosia argentea roots and planted to tomato to increase M. incognita population at the site.Eight week-old marigold seedlings were incorporated in cowpea or soybean field and eight week-old sunn hemp seedlings were also incorporated in cowpea or soybean field. At the ends of the experiments, M. incognita population densities were significantly higher in control plots than those of the plots amended with marigold or sunn hemp with correspondingly higher grain yield in the amended plots in both cowpea and soybean fields in both years. A significantly higher population of the nematode and consequently, lower yield was associated with cultivar Ife Brown than cultivar Ife Bimpe of cowpea for each treatment whereas in soybean cultivars, the pattern was not definite. Also twelve seedlings of marigold or sunn hemp per plot incorporated into the soil produced significantly higher grain yield in cultivar Ife Brown of cowpea and cultivar TGX 1440 of soybean compared to six seedlings per plot. The results of this study suggest that incorporating marigold or sunn hemp in M. incognita-infected cowpea or soybean field has potentials to suppress M. incognita population and reduce nematode damage on yield of the associated leguminous crops.     

Managing Meloidogyne incognita and Bemisia tabaci with thiacloprid in cucumber crops in China

Field trials were conducted to determine the potential use of thiacloprid for integrated Meloidogyne incognita and Bemisia tabaci B biotype control in cucumber (Cucumis sativus Linn.) in China. The following five treatments were evaluated: three thiacloprid doses (7.5, 15, and 30 kg ha⁻¹), an avermectin treatment (7.5 L ha⁻¹) and an untreated control. All thiacloprid application rates were effective for reducing the M. incognita and B. tabaci B biotype populations. M. incognita was reduced by 51.0%∼86.7% on 60th day and B. tabaci B biotype was reduced by about 37.2%∼95.3% within 21 days, respectively. In addition, greater thiacloprid doses resulted in fewer nematodes and whiteflies. Over two successive years, the cucumber plants that were treated with thiacloprid at a dose of 15 kg ha⁻¹ had the greatest plant height, plant vigor and marketable yield, which were 134.1 cm, 91, 1514.3 g plant⁻¹, respectively in 2010–2011 and 151.9 cm, 93, 1651.4 g plant⁻¹, respectively in 2011–2012. In addition, thiacloprid was superior to avermectin. The results of this study demonstrated that thiacloprid could be used in cucumber production for the integrated control of M. incognita and B. tabaci B biotype. Furthermore, a dose of 15 kg ha⁻¹ of thiacloprid was recommended for controlling nematode and whitefly populations according to the control effect and marketable cucumber yield.     

Response of selected cucumber cultivars to Meloidogyne incognita

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are one of the most destructive pathogens of vegetables. The cultivars resistant to root-knot nematodes have comparatively better crop yield than susceptible varieties and can be employed as a component of integrated nematode management. In the present study, 15 cultivars of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) were tested for their response to Meloidogyne incognita by inoculating with 3000 2nd stage juveniles of the nematode. All cultivars varied significantly in causing reductions in growth parameters over their controls. Likewise, all cultivars behaved differently regarding formation of galls and egg masses and reproductive factor. It was found that none of the tested cultivars was found immune or highly resistant. Long Green was the only cultivar which was found resistant against M. incognita as it showed minimum galls (8.2) and reductions in growth parameters. On the other hand, cultivars Mehran, Mirage, Thamin-II, and Royal Sluis were highly susceptible as evident by maximum galls (>100) on their roots and reductions in growth parameters. Similarly, the cultivars Green Wonder, Cucumber Citriolo and Poinsett were moderately susceptible (31–70 galls) while Babylon, Cobra and Falcon-560 (71–100 galls) were susceptible and reductions in growth parameters of these cultivars were less than those in highly susceptible cultivars. Four cultivars, Marketmore, Dynasty, Pioneer-II, and Summer Green, were rated as moderately resistant (11–30 galls) as these cultivars showed less damage by the nematode than moderately susceptible, susceptible and highly susceptible cultivars.     

Infestation assessment of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) associated with cucumber in the Pothowar region of Pakistan

Studies to estimate root-knot nematode infestations on cucumber were conducted during mid- to late-season at 378 randomly selected sites in 126 villages of the four districts across the Pothowar zone of the country. The overall mean infestation of root-knot nematodes in the region was found to be 15.66%. The studies revealed variations in the incidence and severity of root-knot nematodes in the four districts. The incidence of root-knot nematodes was the highest in Rawalpindi district (21.86%), followed by 13.89% in Attock. Of the four districts, the minimum incidence of 10.97% was recorded in Jhelum district. The maximum mean severity (3.79), measured in terms of the galling index, was found in Rawalpindi district, while the minimum (1.86) was observed in Jhelum district. The mean severities of root-knot nematodes in the districts of Attock and Chakwal were 2.66 and 2.19 respectively. Variations in incidence and severity were also observed among subdivisions of the districts. Of all the associated species of root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita constituted 78.53%, Meloidogyne javanica 19.03%, Meloidogyne arenaria 1.82% and Meloidogyne hapla 0.62%. M. incognita and M. javanica were recorded in all of the districts, with M. incognita predominating. M. incognita as a pure population was recorded in 29.63% of the villages, while the other three species were found as mixtures. The most common mixed population was M. incognita and M. javanica, observed in 70.37% of villages in the region. M. arenaria and M. hapla were not found together in any of the population mixtures. The results indicate that cucumber is severely attacked by root-knot nematodes, warranting adoption of strict control measures for its management.     

Management of Meloidogyne incognita in yam-based cropping systems with cover crops

The effect of intercropping cover crops was with yam was assessed for nematode management both in pot and field conditions in Nigeria. The cover crops were sown with yams in pots containing sterile soil and inoculated with 5000 eggs of Meloidogyne incognita. In the field, each cover crop was separately intercropped with yams inoculated with 10,000 nematodes. From both pot and field experiments, no nematode damage was observed on yam tubers that were intercropped with Aeschynomene histrix, Crotolaria juncea, and Tagetes erecta. Damage in intercropped tubers was reduced by 72.7% with Mucuna pruriens, Centrosema pubescens, and Pueraria phaseoloides and by 58.3% with Stylosanthes guianensis compared to yams planted without cover crops; they also had lower (p ≤ 0.05) nematode populations. Cajanus cajan, Lablab purpureus and Vigna unguiculata however, supported high nematode populations and led to nematode damage in intercropped yams. Tubers from M. incognita-inoculated plants were more damaged and lost 42% more weight (p ≤ 0.05) following three months of storage than tubers from uninoculated plants. Intercropping yams with selected cover crops can be useful in managing M. incognita without reducing yam yields.     

Management of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita on tomato with combinations of different biocontrol organisms

The nematicidal effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Pichia guilliermondii and Calothrix parietina singly or in combination was tested against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Treatments with P. fluorescens and P. lilacinus caused mortality of M. incognita as 45% and 30% of juveniles after 48 h of exposures, respectively compared to water control in vitro. Under greenhouse conditions, all treatments reduced the disease severity and enhanced plant growth compared to untreated control. Application of P. fluorescens, P. lilacinus and P. guilliermondii Moh 10 was more effective compared to C. parietina. There was a negative interaction between C. parietina and either P. lilacinus or P. guilliermondii. Fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots of plants were significantly reduced as a result of infection with M. incognita, however application of biocontrol agents singly or in mix recovered this reduction. Moreover, they enhanced the growth parameters compared with the control. Our results proved that application of different biocontrol agents (P. fluorescens, P. lilacinus and P. guilliermondii) not only has a lethal effect on nematode, but also enhances the plant growth, supplying many nutritional elements and induction the systemic resistance in plants. Presence of C. parietina as a soil inhabitant cyanobacterium could antagonize biocontrol agents leading to the reduction of their practical efficiency in soil.     

Root-knot and reniform nematode reproduction on kenaf and sunn hemp compared with that on nematode resistant and susceptible cotton

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) are industrial fiber crops that are being grown increasingly in areas where cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is the major crop. The nematodes causing most cotton yield losses in the USA are the southern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood, and the reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford and Oliveira. For nematode management, knowledge about the comparative effects of kenaf, sunn hemp, and cotton on nematode population densities in the soil is important. The objective of this study was to clarify the host status of kenaf and sunn hemp to M. incognita and R. reniformis by directly comparing reproduction of each nematode on each crop with the same nematode's reproduction on nematode-resistant and nematode-susceptible cotton. Comparisons were made in six experiments under growth chamber, microplot, and field conditions. The results showed that sunn hemp is resistant, but not equally resistant to M. incognita and R. reniformis. Reproduction of R. reniformis on sunn hemp was nearly undetectable, whereas reproduction of M. incognita was greater than on resistant cotton (Auburn 623, Auburn 634) and up to 20% of that on susceptible cotton (Deltapine 16, Deltapine 50, or Deltapine 5409). Kenaf was confirmed to elevate populations of M. incognita to levels that devestate cotton, but found to support substantially less reproduction by R. reniformis than cotton does. Two populations of R. reniformis differed substantially in reproduction on kenaf even though the same populations reproduced similarly on cotton. In conclusion, distinguishing M. incognita from R. reniformis is essential to the management of nematodes in rotations involving kenaf, sunn hemp and cotton.     

Nemato-toxic potential of Betel (Piper betle L.) (Piperaceae) leaf

In vitro and in-planta trials were conducted to determine the nemato-toxic potential of aqueous leaf extracts of Betel (Piper betle L.) against the root-knot nematode species, Meloidogyne incognita, at five concentrations, standard extract (S) [1:2 (w/v] and its four dilutions, 20%, 40%, 60%. 80% of S. In the in vitro trials, second-stage juveniles (J₂s) and eggs of M. incognita were directly exposed to the extract while in the in-planta trials, the effect of the extract was evaluated as a root dip treatment using tomato plants. The findings indicated that the extract was lethal to J₂s but also inhibited egg hatch. The seedling dip treatments reduced root infestations in terms of gall formation, egg production and J₂ population densities in soil while simultaneously enhancing the growth of tomato plants. All these effects varied in a dose-dependent manner. Based on the LC₅₀ value, the eggs were found to be less sensitive to the extract than J₂s. One hundred percent of mortality of J₂s was recorded at four concentration levels, 40%, 60% and 80% of S and S, while 100% egg inhibition was only recorded at S. The highest reductions in gall formation (i.e., number of galls/root system), egg production and J₂ population were all recorded at S as 83%, 87% and 84% compared to the untreated water control. The maximum growth enhancement, which was 235% of the control, was detected in the root length of treated tomato plants. It appears the aqueous leaf extract of P. betle shows promise as a sustainable eco-friendly nematicide for the management of M. incognita.     

Rapid detection of Meloidogyne spp. by LAMP assay in soil and roots

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a novel DNA amplification technique, has been used to detect a variety of pathogens including viruses, fungi, bacteria and parasites. However, diagnosis of sedentary plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) species has not yet been attempted. In this study, we developed a universal LAMP set (RKN-LAMP) for the diagnosis of four common Meloidogyne species (Meloidogyne incognita, M. arenaria, M. javanica and M. hapla), and M. incognita-specific LAMP set (Mi-LAMP). In both assays, a typical ladder-like pattern on gel electrophoresis was observed in all positive samples but not in the negative controls. Amplification products were further confirmed using restriction analysis of the Hpa II enzyme, detection by visual inspection using SYBR Green I and the lateral flow dipstick (LFD) assay. The two LAMP sets were specifically able to detect four common Meloidogyne species and M. incognita populations having several different geographical origins and pathotypes. No cross reaction with DNA of other PPNs was observed. Sensitivity of the RKN- and Mi-LAMP was 10 and 100 fg of pure genome DNA respectively. Both LAMP sets could also amplified crude DNA isolated from the galled root tissue and from soil containing juveniles of M. incognita. The RKN- and Mi-LAMP sets offer the advantages of simplicity, rapidity and cost effectiveness. Both LAMP sets will be instrumental for the diagnosis of Meloidogyne spp. by local extension and regulatory personnel.     

Control of damping-off of organic and conventional cucumber with extracts from a plant-associated bacterium rivals a seed treatment pesticide

Environmentally friendly control measures are needed for soilborne diseases of crops grown in organic and conventional production systems. We tested ethanol extracts from cultures of Serratia marcescens N4-5 and N2-4, Burkholderia cepacia BC-1 and BC-2, and Burkholderia ambifaria BC-F for control of damping-off of cucumber caused by the soilborne pathogens Pythium ultimum and Rhizoctonia solani; ethanol being an Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) -approved solvent for use in certain applications in organic crop production. Ethanol extracts from strains N4-5 and N2-4 inhibited mycelial growth and germination of sporangia of P. ultimum in vitro but those from strains BC-1, BC-2, BC-F, and the ethanol control did not. Ethanol extracts from strains BC-2 and BC-F inhibited mycelial growth of R. solani in vitro while ethanol extracts from strains BC-1, N2-4, N4-5, and the ethanol control did not. Thin-layer chromatography demonstrated that ethanol extracts from strain N4-5 contained prodigiosin while ethanol extracts from strains BC-2 and BC-F contained pyrrolnitrin; extracts from strains N2-4 and BC-1 did not contain either of these compounds. DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of a biosynthetic gene for prodigiosin in strain N4-5 and its absence in strain N2-4, while a biosynthetic gene for pyrrolnitrin was found in strains BC-2 and BC-F but not in strains N2-4, N4-5, and BC-1. Prodigiosin was previously implicated in inhibition of P. ultimum while pyrrolnitrin has been shown to inhibit R. solani. Certified-organic cucumber seed treated with an ethanol extract of strain N4-5 was the only extract treatment from any of these five microbial strains to effectively suppress damping-off caused by P. ultimum in growth chamber pot experiments. This ethanol extract provided suppression of P. ultimum on cucumber that was similar to that provided by a commercially available seed treatment pesticide and greater than that provided by a commercially available biocontrol agent for this pathogen. The inhibitory factor(s) in ethanol extracts of strain N4-5 was stable as a seed treatment for at least 14 weeks when incubated at 4 °C in the dark. No ethanol extracts applied as treatments of organic cucumber seed consistently suppressed damping-off caused by R. solani in growth chamber pot experiments. Experiments reported here suggest that certain natural products from microbial strains as seed treatments are promising alternatives for control of soilborne diseases in conventional or organic cucumber production systems.     

Cis- and trans-protopinium,a novel nematicide,for the eco-friendly management of root-knot nematodes

Plant-derived nematicides are being increasingly used while select synthetic nematicides are phased out for environmental concerns. This is the first report on the in vitro nematicidal activity of cis- and trans-protopinium isolated from roots of Fumaria parviflora and its in vivo effect on the southern root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Cis- and trans-protopinium was isolated from the methanolic fraction FM2.1, and its structure elucidated using ¹³C and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The NMR spectra were characterized using deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at temperatures of 25 and 80 °C. In an in vitro study, over 120 h of incubation, the area under cumulative percent hatch inhibition and mortality of cis- and trans-protopinium reached 100% at a concentration of 200 μg mL⁻¹. In the greenhouse and field settings, cis- and trans-protopinium was evaluated against M. incognita on tomato at a concentration of 100, 200, and 300 μg mL⁻¹ for two consecutive seasons, that is, spring and autumn, in 2010. At a concentration of 300 μg mL⁻¹ in the greenhouse and field trials during spring and autumn, cis- and trans-protopinium significantly reduced the nematode galling index, the number of females per gram of root, and the reproduction factor, as well as increased plant height, fresh and dry shoot weights, and root length. Therefore, cis- and trans-protopinium can be used as an effective and safe nematicide against M. incognita on tomato in an organic and sustainable agricultural production system. Phytochemicals have various agricultural applications, especially to control economically important nematode pests.     

Effectiveness of 1,3-dichloropropene as an alternative to methyl bromide in rotations of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in China

Replicated field trials were conducted to determine the effect of 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) as a potential alternative for methyl bromide (MeBr) in tomato–cucumber rotations in two successive cropping seasons in China. Fumigation with MeBr (400 kg ha⁻¹), three 1,3-D doses (180, 120 and 90 l ha⁻¹), an avermectin dose (187.5 g ha⁻¹) and an untreated control were compared. Tomato data revealed that MeBr was generally superior to the treatments involving 1,3-D and avermectin, which in turn were superior to the control, for improving tomato crop yield and inhibiting Meloidogyne incognita, weeds and mortality caused by plant disease. In a successive cucumber crop, all fumigants tested except avermectin, showed significant continual influence in the same plots. In most cases, the highest 1,3-D dose was comparable to MeBr. Overall, in both growth seasons, 1,3-D at the dose of 180 l ha⁻¹ was as effective as MeBr in increasing plant height, yield and in reducing the incidence of soil borne disease, especially in maintaining excellent M. incognita control, but it provided only moderate control of weeds. On the basis of these results, combining 1,3-D with other alternatives to MeBr, is recommended for satisfactory control of soil pests in tomato–cucumber rotations in China.     

Insecticidal activities of crude extracts and phospholipids from Chenopodium ficifolium against melon and cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii

Several organic solvent extracts of Chenopodium ficifolium were tested for their insecticidal activity against melon and cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, on cucumber plants. Both methanol and ethanol extracts, at 5000 μg ml⁻¹, were highly active giving over 80% control. The other crude extracts displayed moderate or weak insecticidal activity giving control in the range of 16–69%. Two phospholipids were isolated as insecticidal active substances from C. ficifolium. Their chemical structures were identified as 1-palmitoyl-2-(3-trans)-hexadecenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol and 1-palmitoyl-2-linoleoyl-3-glycerophosphocholine by GC–MS, EDS, mass and NMR spectral analyses. Both compounds displayed a dose-dependent mortality of A. gossypii. Furthermore, the liquid formulation that was obtained by partitioning with n-hexane from the methanol extract of C. ficifolium controlled melon and cotton aphid on cucumber plants effectively. These results indicate that extracts of C. ficifolium have potential for development as botanical insecticides for controlling A. gossypii infesting cucumber plants.     

The control of weed,pest and disease complexes in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) by the application of pesticides singly and in combination

Several pesticides were evaluated singly and in combination or mixtures for their effectiveness against insects, nematodes, diseases and weeds in cowpea at Ibadan and Amakama in Nigeria. Of the granular insecticides/nematicides, carbofuran at 3·0 kg a.i./ha applied at planting reduced the population of thrips (Megalurothrips sjostedti) below control level up to 42 days after planting, but did not appear to translocate to the pods. Ethoprofos, isazophos and phorate were ineffective against thrips. Carbofuran also showed excellent control of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. The herbicides metolachlor and fluorodifen generally kept the plots weed-free up to 35 days after planting but had no effect on the nematodes. The fungicide benomyl applied as a seed treatment was not effective against web blight (Corticium solani) and brown blotch (Colletotrichum truncatum) but, when applied as a wettable powder in combination with monocrotophos as a foliar spray, offered effective control of the diseases and the combination gave the best grain yield across locations. The possible use of carbofuran with a cowpea variety that is resistant to larvae of the pod-boring moth (Maruca testulalis) is discussed.     

Evaluation of resistance to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in okra cultivars

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, is one of the major limiting factors affecting plant growth and yield causing an estimated $100 billion loss per year worldwide. Synthetic pesticides, though instantaneously effective, are usually prohibitively expensive, not readily available, may cause hazards to both man and livestock, and inflict injury to the environment. Notable among the alternatives to nematicides is the use of resistant cultivars which are inexpensive and eco-friendly. In the present studies, twelve okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L) cultivars were evaluated for their resistance against M. incognita under field conditions. Ten-day old okra plants of test cultivars were inoculated with 3000 freshly hatched second stage juveniles of M. incognita. The nematode caused reductions in various growth parameters of all the cultivars to varying levels over their respective controls. None of the cultivars was found completely resistant. The cultivar ‘Sharmeeli’ was highly susceptible as >100 galls were recorded on the roots. Sharmeeli also showed maximum reductions in growth among the cultivars evaluated. The cultivars Anmol and Sindha were susceptible with 71–100 galls. The cultivars Sabz Pari, Super Star, PMS-55 and PMS Beauty were moderately susceptible with 31–70 galls and comparatively less reductions in growth. Cultivars Sanam, Dikshah, Arka Anamika, Ikra-1 and Ikra-2 with 11–30 galls were rated as moderately resistant and showed less damage by the nematode as compared to susceptible cultivars and their planting could provide a useful tool to control root-knot nematodes.     

Screening of three sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cultivars for resistance to different virulence groups of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) under controlled conditions

The susceptibility of three sweet potato cultivars (Ipomoea batatas L.) C4, TIS 3290 and TIS 9162 was evaluated against 156 isolates of Meloidogyne spp. with the aim to include resistant/tolerant sweet potato cultivars in a crop rotation scheme for the management of root-knot nematodes. The nematode isolates corresponded to races 1, 2 and 3 of Meloidogyne arenaria (n = 7), races 1, 2, 3 and 4 of M. incognita (n = 131) and Meloidogyne javanica (n = 18). Also, the isolates of M. incognita were differentiated in virulence groups: Pepper (n = 35), Pepper-Mi (n = 25), Tomato (n = 41) and Tomato-Mi (n = 30), depending on their ability to parasitize resistant pepper and tomato cultivars. The tested isolates of M. javanica parasitized C4 and TIS 3290, but not TIS 9162, whereas M. arenaria parasitized C4 and TIS 9162, but not TIS 3290, and M. incognita was able to parasitize the three sweet potato cultivars tested. C4 was the most susceptible cultivar to all nematode species tested, especially M. incognita, TIS 3290 was the most resistant and TIS 9162 was in between (7.2, 62.9 and 26.9% of resistant plants, respectively). Susceptibility of the sweet potato cultivars showed slight variations depending on the race or virulence group of M. incognita. The results suggest that sweet potato cultivars TIS 3290 and TIS 9162 may be used as rotation crops in fields where root-knot nematodes are present, their selection depending on the Meloidogyne isolates present. The use of resistant sweet potato cultivars would be preferably combined with other management practices to avoid virulence selection in nematode isolates.     

Integrated management of postharvest banana anthracnose (Colletotrichum musae) through plant extracts and hot water treatment

The aim of the present study was to determine the integrated effect of plant extracts and hot water treatment on postharvest anthracnose and banana fruit quality. Artificially inoculated banana fruit were dipped in 10% and 20% (w/v) extracts of four plant species, viz. Acacia albida, Argemone mexicana, Dovalis abyssinica and Prosopis juliflora at room temperature (20 °C), 45 °C and 50 °C. Fruit treated separately with 20% extracts of A. albida and P. juliflora at 50 °C had reduced anthracnose incidence and severity. These treatment combinations also had the highest percentage of marketable ripe banana fruits. In conclusion, applying aqueous plant extracts at 50 °C enhanced the antifungal activity of extracts without affecting the physico-chemical properties of banana.     

Assessment of nematicidal properties and phytochemical screening of neem seed formulations using Radopholus similis, parasitic nematode of plantain in Cameroon

Phytoparasitic nematodes of banana and plantain make one of the major constraints to sustainable banana and plantain production. The burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis, common in Cameroon is of particular importance where most smallholder farmers are unaware of this “hidden enemy”. In intensive plantain plantations, nematicides are often used as a primary means of control. Despite their efficacy, chemical pesticides are harmful to the environment and human health. The objective of this study was to assess the nematicidal properties of four neem seed formulations (raw neem seed powder (NSP); organic, watery and essential oil extracts) and to determine the phytochemical properties of these extracts. Alkaloids, saponins, triterpens and steroids were found in all three extracts, tannins in the organic and essential oils extracts and phenols only in the essential oils extract. Using five different concentrations of each of the three extracts as well as NSP, the nematicidal properties of all four formulations was confirmed. The NSP killed 100% of all nematodes at the lowest concentration tested, 10 μg ml⁻¹, after 48 h. The in vivo test using two plantain varieties, Essong and Big Ebanga showed that all neem seed formulations increased plant growth and reduced nematode populations significantly when compared with the control. Since NSP seems to perform as well or even better than the extracts, it could provide farmers with a simple, low cost alternative for the control of banana and plantain nematodes.     

Response of selected okra cultivars to Meloidogyne incognita

Root–knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are major pests of vegetables especially in the tropics and subtropics. All commercial okra varieties are susceptible to root knot nematodes and cause substantial losses. The objective of this study is to find out resistant germplasm in order to facilitate our breeders for gene manipulation. A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate 28 okra cultivars against Meloidogyne incognita inoculated with 5000 eggs. Five cultivars (Bamya Yalova, 19,232, 19,236, 1,922,121, and Green Wonder) had significantly fewer root galls and eggs and less reduction in plant growth (shoot weight and root length), than most of the other entries. A positive relationship was demonstrated between root galls and reduction in plant growth parameters measured. These cultivars may improve okra production in fields infested with M. incognita. During our study, none of the cultivars tested were observed to be immune or resistant to nematode infection according to a scale where: good host [susceptible] when Pf/Pi (Pf = Final population of nematodes after harvest and Pi = Initial population of nematodes which was used as inoculum during experiment) > 5.0, fair, better [moderately resistant] if 5.0 ≥ Pf/Pi > 1, poor if 1 > Pf/Pi > 0, and non-host [resistant] when Pf/Pi = 0. The cultivars, including 19,224, 19,235, Pusa Sawami, Ikra-1, Ikra-2 and Sabzperi China Red, were found to be susceptible with Pf/Pi > 5.0, and they were declared as good hosts of M. incognita. While all the other cultivars were moderately resistant, with 0 ≥ Pf/Pi > 1 but still a significant penetration of nematodes was found. The regression studies showed positive and significant relationships between the number of galls and the reduction in shoot weight (r² = 0.95), number of galls and reduction in shoot length (r² = 0.81), and number of galls and decrease in root length (r² = 0.89).     

Response of cucurbit rootstocks to Pythium aphanidermatum

Damping-off and vine decline diseases affect most greenhouse cucumber crops in Oman, with losses frequently exceeding 25% of seedlings and adult plants. As a consequence of some recent reports that disease control using metalaxyl fungicides were ineffective, seven local and introduced rootstocks were assessed for their response to Pythium aphanidermatum. The rootstocks were also tested for grafting compatibility and production potential under greenhouse conditions. During artificial inoculation trials, no damping-off symptoms were observed in the Hercules and Titan varieties, ridge gourd or sponge gourd. In three separate greenhouse trials, Titan, Hercules and squash var. Magda showed no damping-off or vine decline symptoms up to 45 days after transplanting. When cucumber was grafted onto the seven rootstocks, no symptoms were observed in the cucumber plants grafted onto Titan and Hercules rootstocks, whereas the cucumber grafted onto the other rootstocks showed varying levels of damping-off and vine decline diseases (10–40%). The Titan and Hercules rootstocks significantly increased the vegetative growth and the fruit number, weight and length compared to the self-grafted cucumbers, non-grafted cucumbers and cucumbers that were grafted onto the other rootstocks (P < 0.05). To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the influence of grafting on the resistance to Pythium and on the vegetative growth and yield of greenhouse cucumbers.