Nematicidal efficacy of organic manures, intercrops, mulches and nematicide against root-knot nematode in mulberry

Among different treatments against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita infecting mulberry, sebufos (Rugby 10G) was found most effective. It has increased 10–14 per cent leaf yield, reduced 80–90 per cent root-galls and egg mass production. Organic manures namely neem and pongamia cakes and also the direct mulching of their green leaves were equally effective. While poultry manure, sewage manure, saw dust and mulching of Parthenum, Vinca rosea, Calotropis, Euphorbia spp. were least effective. Intercropping of marigold and Sesamum was more effective than sunhemp. Bio-assay studies did not show any residual toxicity on silkworms 40–50 days after treatment. For effective management of root-knot disease sebufos (@ 2 kg ai/ha/yr) or neem/pongamia cake (@ 2 ton./ha/yr) is suggested.