Pratylenchus coffeae, the root-lesion nematode in groundnut and its control by granular nematicides

Abstract

During the summer of 1973, many reports were received from the Punjab state about the general unthriftiness of the groundnut crop (Arachis hypogea L.). The plants presented a sickly appearance coupled with patchy stunted growth. Analysis of the soil and plant roots revealed the presence of a large number of the lesion nematode, Pratylenchus coffeae (Zimmermann) T. Goodey already previously reported from the groundnut fields of Punjab by Sethi and Swarup (1971). Attempts, therefore, were made to control this nematode by means of granular nematicides.