Effect of neem-based products on the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, and growth of tomato

Abstract

An experiment was conducted under glass-house conditions to test the effects of five neem-based nematicide products in the form of drenches on the growth of tomato and population density of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. All the tested formulations suppressed nematode multiplication and root galling severity significantly and improved plant growth. The formulations most effective at low concentrations against the root-knot nematode were neem seed kernel extracts (NSKE) and Econeem. At the highest concentration of 1.0% all the neem formulations were equally effective. NSKE drench produced the best plant growth, closely followed by Econeem. None of the formulations was phytotoxic even at the highest concentration.