Effects of Fumigants on Nematode Populations, Weeds, and Yield of Tomato

Abstract

Investigations were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the chemicals, Di-Trapex, Dowfume, Nemagon 75 % EC and Kerosene for the control of the plant parasitic nematodes Helicotylenchus sp., Meloidogyne incognita, Chitwood 1949, Rotylenchus sp., Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford and Oliveira 1940 and Tylenchorhynchus sp., weeds and on yield of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Soil samples were taken from each experimental plot at 2 and 4 months after the chemicals were applied. Weed counts were made 2 months after chemical application. All chemical treatments except Kerosene yielded from 13.3 to 26.5 per cent more tomato compared with the control. Dowfume one 1b. per 72 square feet and Di-Trapex at 27, 36 and 45 gal. per acre were significantly more effective in controlling the nematode populations and reducing the weed density No evidence of phytotoxicity was observed with any of the compounds.