Effect of cultural practices on nematode populations and yield of French beans

Authors

  • G. C. Sharma
  • Madhu Bhatia

Abstract

Field studies were undertaken in 1998 in Himachal Pradesh (India) to see the impact of cultural practices on the nematode populations (Helicotylenchus dihystera, Meloidogyne incognita and Quinisulcius indicus) and yield of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Contender). The treatments were four sowing times (1 May, 1 June, 1 July and 1 August), each with three weeding and hoeing treatment/s (after intervals of 10, 20 and 30 days). Populations of H. dzhystera increased. and crop yield decreased as the weeding and hoeing interval increased. Sowing time had significant effects both on the nematode populations and {he yield of the crop. May and June sown crops were infested mainly with H. dihystera of which adversely affected crop yield. In July and August M. incognita was the major nematode infesting the crop but there was no adverse effect on the yields which were higher than in May and June. Populations of Q. indicus remained low throughout. Higher soil temperature (32-34.50 °C) and low relative humidity (46-57.5%) favoured H. dzhystera, while lower temperature (29-30 °e) and higher relative humidity (79-80%) favouredM. incognita.

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Published

2002-06-15

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Section

Articles