Root knot disease is caused by plant parasitic nematodes. In the present study, four areas of Muzaffarpur town were selected where sponge gourd and is being cultivated at small scale. These areas were visited from July to October. It was noted that plants were healthy and fruits were normal up to August. However, in September, Chlorotic patches were seen on the leaves of above vegetable crops. This became more prominent in October. It was further noted that the leaf size was reduced, the newer leaves were bunched, flowering was reduced and fruits were deformed. Fruit set was completely abnormal. Deformed fruits were present and growth of the new branches was retarded. The roots of these plants had galls however; they were 8-10 in number per plant. In Octobers the number of galls, and size increased. Entire roots were deformed due to gall formation. Certain gall just near the surface of soil was corky and larger in shape. Such roots were carefully collected and their number per plants, size etc. were studied in different localities. All such roots as well as soil taken from the rhizosphere was used for the isolation of the parasite. Slides were prepared and based on the microscopic study and number the nematode was identified. Gall formation varied in different localities of the town. Where repeated cultivation of these vegetables were done and the land had continuous source of water from the surrounding buildings revealed maximum galls per plants. However, where plantation was not regular and field was dry, the number and size of galls were much lower. It was observed that the frequency of galls were much lower in the area where there was no source of sewage. Eco-friendly, non synthetic chemical, means of control measure have been suggested. Here field sanitation, plaughing during summer, crop rotation with non host, organic amendment co-cultivation of plants having antagonistic effect on nematodes, trap crops etc. were advised. Some of the farmers followed these and in next year there was reduction in the disease incident.

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