Alleviating Biotic Stress Induced by Meloidogyne incognita in Eggplant Using Dried Plant Residues and Compost

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Agricultural Zoology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

Abstract

Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita is considered one of the most destructive pathogens causing yield loss in eggplant. Organic amendments are a promising tool for the management of root-knot nematodes. Therefore, greenhouse experiments were conducted to assess the effect of dried plant residues as well as two types of compost (plant and mixed compost) on eggplant growth and nematode infection. Dried plant residues i.e. rice straw, potato or pomegranate peels or cabbage and cucumber leaves were applied at the rates of 10, 15 and 20g/pot. Composts were applied at the rates of 5, 10, 15 and 20g/pot for each. The tested dried plant residues as well as compost types exhibited nematicidal activity and significantly minimized nematode populations. Among all treatments of plant residues, incorporated soil with rice straw significantly (P< 0.05) boosted shoot length, fresh and dry shoot weight at all rates even plants harbored root galling and egg masses exceeded those of control. In addition, at the rate of 10g/pot, dried cucumber and cabbage leaves as well as pomegranate peels significantly suppressed soil nematode population, number of females, galls and egg masses. Both types of compost significantly induced shoot length and weight at rate 10g/pot. However, mixed compost significantly (P< 0.05) suppressed nematode parameters better than plant compost. Chemical constituents (NPK and chlorophyll A and B) were significantly enhanced by tested compost.  Dried cucumber and cabbage leaves as well as composting appear promising ecological alternatives to inorganic fertilizers and have the potential to alleviate the deleterious impact of M. incognita infecting eggplant in conventional and organic farming.
 
 

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