Controlling root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in tomatoes using modified effective microorganisms-fermented plant extract and compost manure

Authors

• Benoit Katchitche Sossou * ¹
• Nkechi Betsy Izuogu ¹
• Aisha O. Anifowose ¹
• H. E. Ahamefule ²

1. Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
2. Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture University of Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose Nematode diseases are major constraints in tomato production. Screenhouse and field experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of Effective Microorganisms-Fermented Plant Extract (EM-FPE) and compost manure singly and in combination on Meloidogyne incognita infecting tomatoes.
Method Screenhouse and field experiments were designed respectively as 2×5 and 2×4 factorial fitted into a completely randomized design (CRD) in the screenhouse and randomized complete block design (RCBD) on the field. For single treatments, 100 ml of EM-FPE or 200 g of compost was used per plant while 50 ml of EM-FPE and 100 g of compost were combined and used per plant for treatment combination. Pots that did not receive any treatment served as control. Data were collected on growth parameters, fruit production, galling, and soil nematode population. The data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) where significant differences in means were separated using Fisher’s Least Significance Difference (LSD) Test at P = 0.05.
Results In both trials, treated plants performed significantly better. No significant difference was recorded among the three treatments for soil nematode population and root galling on the field. But in the screenhouse trial, plants treated with the combination of EM-FPE and compost recorded higher soil nematode population (150) and root galling (7) at harvest but the plants performed well. Among the treatments, compost manure applied singly gave the best result with respect to vegetative growth, flower formation, and yield of the tomatoes.
Conclusion This study reveals that both treatments, EM-FPE, and compost manure could be relied on for effective control of Meloidogyne incognita in tomatoes.

Highlights

• Both compost manure and EM-FPE were found to be effective against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in tomato production.
• Compost manure applied singly was the best in controlling the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita.
• The treatment combination (EM-FPE + compost manure) enhanced tomato plants tolerance to Meloidogyne incognita.

Keywords

• Gall
• Nigeria
• Pest
• Screenhouse
• Solanum lycopersicum
• Vegetable