Management of Root-Knot Nematode on Okra through Bio-Agents

A pot study was conducted to assess the efficacy of various fungal and bacterial antagonists as seed coating treatments against Meloidogyne javanica, a root-knot nematode that infects okra plants. The seeds of okra cv. Pusa Sawani were subjected to treatments with Trichoderma viride, Purpureocillium lilacinum, and Pseudomonas fluorescens at a rate of 2 g/kg seed. As a comparison, Carbosulfan 3G was used as a control, applied at a rate of 3g/kg soil. The treated seeds were then planted in soil infested with two second-stage juveniles of the root -knot nematode per gram of soil. After 45 days of sowing, it was observed that the okra plants exhibited enhanced growth, while the population of root-knot nematodes was significantly reduced in all treatment groups compared to the untreated control. Among the different bio agents tested, Purpureocillium lilacinum exhibited the best treatment followed by Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens for increase plant growth characters as well as reduced nematode reproduction.