Doses of bokashi in the control of Meloidogyne javanica in lettuce

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes are among the major yield-limiting factors on vegetables, and the use of organic matter can be a viable method for controlling the parasite. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the use of doses of bokashi and reapplication of the compost in the control of Meloidogyne javanica in lettuce. Tomato seedlings were transplanted into plant pots containing 2 liters of autoclaved soil and were inoculated with 2000 eggs and eventual juveniles of the nematode. After 60 days of cultivation, the aerial part was discarded and lettuce seedlings were transplanted, and different doses of bokashi treatments were applied, as follows: 0, 5, 10 and 20 g, at two periods: only at planting and at planting + reapplication after 15 days. Forty-five (45) days after transplant, vegetative (dry and fresh weight of aerial part) and nematode (galls and nematodes g -1 of root) parameters were evaluated. In general, the period of application of bokashi did not increase the plant growth and nematode control. However, the doses had direct effects, with increase in vegetative growth observed in the application of about 14 g plant -1 , and nematode control following doses between 13 and 14 g plant -1 .