Management of root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita in Okra using wheat flour as bionematocides

Abstract

The current study aims to determine how well root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne sp.) are reduced when wheat flour is used as bio-nematicides to increase agricultural productivity. Root-knot nematodes inflict a significant amount of annual loss by parasitizing plant species, many of which are vegetable crops. They harm plants to the extent that they contribute between 10% to 40% of India's annual agricultural losses. A multi-cropping system and the advent of high-yielding crop types have increased the demand for efficient crop protection. Different strategies, including biological, physical, and cultural usage of resistant varieties, and pesticides, have been developed to control the phytophagous nematodes to deal with the situation. Organic raw materials used on the okra plants and the root-knot nematode are evaluated together with prospective bionematocides that aim to manage nematodes over the long run for a sustainable ecological system and profitable crop values. Using a greater dose of the liquid bioagent formulation significantly reduces the nematode population and increases the plant growth parameter. Plant materials provide effective nematicides that are easily biodegradable. The present study intends to further establish the effectiveness of bio-nematicides, such as wheat flour, in treating root-knot disease.