Management of Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Moench) using Trichoderma Species and Poultry Manure

Abstract

The screen house experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of species of Trichoderma in combination with poultry manure in the control of Meloidogyne incognita infecting okra. Trichoderma viride at 2.65 x 10 7 , 2.40 x 10 7 , 1.85 x 10 7 spores/ml and T. harzianum at 2.40 x10 7 , 1.40 x 10 7 , 1.10 x 10 7 and 9.0 x 10 6 spores/ml were applied singly, in combination with poultry manure at 10, 15 and 20 t/ha. The obtained results showed highly susceptibility of okra to M. incognita with Gall index (G.I = 5.00) with no poultry manure amendment or Trichoderma infestation. Increase in poultry manure rates and spore density of Trichoderma applied singly were significantly (P< 0.05) reduced root galling, nematode density in soil per plant and nematode reproduction factor (R f ). The combination of different rates of poultry manure with either species of Trichoderma at various spore densities were significantly (P<0.05) inhibited root galling and nematode population more than single application. The combination of T. viride at 2.65 x 10 7 spores/ml or T. harzianum 2.40 x 10 7 spores/ml with 20 t/ha poultry manure produced okra with the least GI (2.00). The combination of Trichoderma species with poultry manure significantly (P<0.05) enhanced growth, dry matter accumulation and fresh pod yield.