Infestation of Rice Root-Knot Nematode in Rice Nurseries in Chitwan

Abstract

A survey was conducted during June-July 2006 in Chitwan to find out the natural infestation of rice root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola Golden & Brichfield) in rice nurseries. Thirty nurseries were surveyed and 100 seedlings from each nursery were evaluated. Field survey revealed that M. graminicola was widely distributed in most rice growing areas of Chitwan District. Rice root-knot disease was more prevalent in dry bed condition than wet bed. Most of the farmers grew seedlings in upland (dry) soil and there was more rice root-knot disease and second stage juvenile (J2) population in both nursery soil and seedling root. The galled (diseased) seedlings had significantly shorter roots and shoots. Most of the farmers did not know about the nematode problem and did not follow any management practices to control it in nurseries and/or in the main field. This indicated high risk of multiplication of the nematodes and huge loss in rice production. Thus, it is essential to manage M. graminicola in rice nurseries in order to produce healthy seedlings.Key words: Dry bed; Lowland; Meloidogyne graminicola; Upland; Wet bedDOI: 10.3126/njst.v10i0.2822Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Volume 10, 2009 December Page: 45-49