Biological Control of Meloidogyne Javanica in Kenya: Effect of Plant Residues, Benomyl and Decomposition Products of Mustard (Brassica Campestris)

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to study the effect of organic amendments and benomyl on fungal parasitism of Meloidogyne javanica eggs and to evaluate the effect of soil extracts (decomposition products) of mustard on the vegetative growth and parasitic activity of Verticillium chlamydosporium Goddard (Kenyan isolate). Tomato cv. Moneymaker plants were used as a host. Castor, marigold and neem stimulated egg parasitism, while benomyl and mustard significantly inhibited it. Gall ratings and numbers of juveniles were significantly lower in soils amended with organic wastes. The amended soils supported plants with heavier shoot and root systems. Extracts from soil in which mustard had decomposed for 16 days or more significantly inhibited fungal growth and egg parasitism. Variation in soil extract concentration had no significant effect on egg parasitism or fungal vegetative growth. However, both egg parasitism and fungal growth decreased gradually with increase in extract concentration and was least in Petri dishes with the highest concentration of the extract.