INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC MANURES AND UREA ON NEMATODE PESTS OF CELOSIA ARGENTEA

Abstract

Five organic manures, cow dung, poultry dung, horse dung, burnt township refuse and citrus wastes were applied at rates of 10 or 20 t/ha respectively to soil of known nematode infestation. Celosia argentea was subsequently grown fro 8 weeks. Combinations of cow and poultry manures with urea were applied to soil on which C. argentea was grown. Burnt township refuse, poultry and cow manures significantly increased green leaf yield and reduced nematode infestation in the soil. Although citrus waste reduced nematode infestation, it adversely affected crop establishment. Combinations of urea with poultry and cow manures increased leaf yield and controlled plant parasitic nematodes as both organic manures and urea did when applied singly.