Management of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, on artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) with soil solarization and low doses of nematicides

Abstract

The effect of a seven week soil solarization period, alone or in combination with low doses of 1,3-D (50 l/ha), dazomet (125 kg/ha) or methyl bromide (200 kg/ha), on the yield of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus) and weed growth was compared for two consecutive seasons with the effect of standard rates of 1,3-D (150 l/ha), dazomet (500 kg/ha) and methyl bromide (600 kg/ha) in a field infested with the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita host race 1. All treatments effectively controlled the nematode. The nematode soil population densities were reduced by 92 to 100% and by 81 to 99% in the first and second crops, respectively, resulting in low root gall indices and significant increase in marketable yield of artichoke. Complete control of weeds was observed only in the plots treated with solarization or methyl bromide.