Managing root knot nematodes: a menace in cucurbits cultivation

Abstract

Cucurbits cultivation in river basin is a type of off-season production technology practised by small, marginal and landless farmers. Due to early harvest, farmers get additional income with low investment. However, crop yield and quality is severely hindered by root-knot nematodes, emerging as a major threat to cucurbits cultivation at diara land. Due to concern over health hazards to human, animal and fishes etc., nematicides usage may be restricted in river basin system. Hence as alternative strategies, ecofriendly technologies like seed treatment and main field application of bioagents and organic cakes are highly effective for management of rootknot nematode with sustainable production of cucurbits in diara land.