Field Assessment of the Nematicidal Properties of Neem (<i>Azadirachta Indica</i>) Against the Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne Incognita on Infected Tomato (<i>Lycopersicon Esculentum</i>)

Abstract

The toxic effects of neem, Azadirachta indica fruit powder against a root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on tomato was investigated in the field in the year 2002. Tomato Roma var. Uf was planted on a ploughed and harrowed field. Each plant stand was inoculated with 2000 Meloidogyne incognita juveniles. The treatments were made up of four levels; 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 tonnes/ha of neem fruit powder, while there was an untreated control denoted by 0 tonne/ha. The experiment lasted for a period of sixteen weeks. The results from the experiment showed that neem fruit powder brought about a significant increase in growth and yield of nematode-infected tomato as compared with the control. At 10 and 12 WAP, plant height and number of leaves/plant were significantly higher in the treated plants. The number and weight of tomato fruits were also significantly higher in the treated plants than in the untreated control. The nematode multiplication rate and damage caused by the nematode on tomato roots (root gall index) were significantly lower in the treated plants than in the control. The higher concentrations of the neem powder were significantly more effective than the lower concentrations in controlling the nematode and consequently improving the growth and yield of treated tomato plants. Keywords : Neem, Nematicidal Properties, Root Knot Nematode, Tomato. Agrosearch Vol. 7 (1&2) 2005: pp. 28-33