Effects of Heterodera avenae on the absorption and translocation of N, P, K, and Zn from the soil in wheat

Abstract

Cereal cyst nematode (CCN) (Heterodera avenae) is a major root parasite of wheat throughout the world. A pot experiment was conducted in screen house in CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2016–2017 for studying the nutrient uptake by wheat plants infected with H. avenae. Urea, single super phosphate (SSP), Muriate of potash (MOP), and zinc sulfate (Zn SO4) were applied singly and in combinations, and compared with a control without fertilizers. H. avenae reduced the uptake of nutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), and Zn) as compared to uninfested soil. Improved nutrients uptake was found in the treatment where all nutrients were applied in soil. Lesser uptake was recorded in the treatment where no nutrient was applied in soil. In the soil, more nutrients were recorded in infested soil as compared to uninfested soil and, nutrients were also more in soil in the treatments where individual nutrients were applied than their combined application.