Integrated Approach for the Management of Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in Medicinal Coleus

Abstract

Field studies were conducted to investigate the effect of a plant growth promoting rhizobacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, egg parasitic fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus, neem cake and marigold intercrop in different combinations, on root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita and root tuber yield in medicinal coleus. Integration of strategies such as stem cutting dipping in 0.1% P. fluorescens + soil application of neem cake @ 400 kg/ha + growing marigold as intercrop followed by their biomass incorporation during earthing up increased the yield (22.7–30.0%) and reduced the root-knot nematode population (71.2–73.8%) superiorly, followed by the integration of P. fluorescens + marigold intercrop, which were almost equally effective. The economic returns per investment was higher in P. fluorescens + marigold intercrop (6.4–8.8 benefit: cost ratio).