Effect of plant age on development of root-knot nematode (M. javanica) on coriander

Abstract

Coriander is one of the most important and nutritive seed spice crops grown all over the world. The production of coriander is affected by various biotic and abiotic factors. Among the diseases of coriander, nematode diseases are also most important. Root-knot nematodes are dangerous and economically very important pest of cultivated crops in the world. In view of this, a pot experiment was conducted to test the effect of plant age on development of Meloidogyne javanica on coriander.The pots were filled with sterilized sandy loamy soil. Root-knot nematodes (J2 stage) were inoculated in each pot at the time of germination, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after germination.Results showed that as the nematode inoculum interval after germination was extended, the plant growth characteristics were also greatly improved. Similarly, increased nematode inoculum interval after germination considerably reduced nematode reproduction. But, No. of eggs/egg mass was found almost similar in among all plant ages (i.e., from at the time of germination, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after germination).