Evaluation of nematicides and neem cake for managing root-knot nematodes in pointed gourd, Trichosanthes dioica

Abstract

Experiments were conducted, during two growing seasons, to control the root-knot nematodes, Meloidogne incognita and M. javanica, in pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Rb.), using carbosulfan, carbofuran, monocrotophos and neem cake applied in various ways. Dipping vines in carbosulfan 25 EC at 500 ppm for 6 hours + carbofuran 3G at 2.5 g/pit 45 days after planting was the best treatment as it produced the highest yield of 20,216 kg/ha and the greatest reduction of root-knot nematode gall index in both growing seasons. All other treatments increased yield and reduced nematode population density in the 2002-03 season but not in the 2003-04 season. The largest yield gain was achieved with the above-mentioned best treatment, but the largest gain/treatment cost ratio was obtained by dipping vines in monocrotophos.