MANAGEMENT OF MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA IN TOMATO BY SOME INORGANIC FERTILIZERS

Abstract

Ammonium sulphate, superphosphate, potassium nitrate and gypsum at the concentration of 2 g per kg soil as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium fertilizer, respectively, induced a significant increase in plant growth, both in Meloidogyne incognita inoculated and uninoculated plants. However, increase in plant growth was greater when these fertilizers were used with nematode inoculated plants. Nitrogen fertilizer resulted in greater reduction in galling and nematode reproduction and greater increase in plant growth. Treatment with phosphorus caused less reduction in nematode multiplication, compared to nitrogen treatment, but more than potassium treatment. Calcium application was least effective in reducing nematode multiplication and improving plant growth