The Use of Hemicellulosic Waste Matter for Reduction of the Phytotoxic Effects of Chitin and Control of Root-Knot Nematodes

Abstract

In a greenhouse experiment, alkaline hemicellulosic waste material (HW) from the paper pulp industry was added to soil at six levels (0-2.0% w/w) alone and in combination with two levels (0 and 2.0% w/w) of crustacean chitin to control Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal) Chitwood. The treated soils were kept moist for one week before being planted with 'Yellow Crookneck' squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). Six weeks after planting, survival rate of the seedlings in chitin-amended soils was improved by the addition of HW; no plants survived in soils treated with chitin alone. HW amendments reduced galling of the roots by M. arenaria, but were not as effective as chitin. Galling was eliminated in plants from chitin-amended soils regardless of the level of HW added. Soils receiving chitin and HW had lower pH than those amended with chitin alone. Upon removal of the squash plants, 'Rutgers' tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings were planted in the same soils. Six weeks after planting, roots a