Integrated control of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita infecting eggplant and effects on associated weeds and crop yield; a field study

Abstract

Integrated regimes were conducted during the season 2015-2016 at kafre Hakim village Giza Governorate. The aim was to evaluate the protective efficiency of combinations of different environment- friendly compounds; indole acetic acid (IAA), Furfural, urea as well as the herbicide pendimethalin to control root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita infecting eggplant and associated annual broad leaf and annual grasses weeds, and their effects on crop production. Data revealed that all the tested treatments resulted in variable significant decrease in root knot nematode reproductive parameters, associated weeds and improvement in eggplant production. The tested parameters were; initial and final populations, number of galls, number of egg masses, fresh and dry weight of weeds after 120 days from planting and yield of eggplant. The authors recommend the use of the organic fertilizer urea for controlling the nematode M. incognita infecting eggplant and increase the crop yield. However, application of integrated protocols including, urea, IAA combined with the herbicide pendimethalin deserves consideration in the future tactics to maximize the efficiency of nematode control, associated weeds infestation and promoting the yield. Detailed data are presented in the text.