Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in cucumber under protected cultivation: incidence, management and avoidable yield loss in Afghanistan

Article Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Indian Phytopathology

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), Meloidogyne species, are one of the major threats to global vegetable production, inflicting considerable crop losses. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence, management, and yield losses inflicted by RKNs in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under protected cultivation in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Eight polyhouses (Stadium, Spin Ziarat, Ghani Khan Kalacha, Zorr Shar, Mahalajaat, Mirwais Mina, Shir Surkh Baba, and Aino Mina) were surveyed for this nematode-specific sampling. RKNs were found to be present in 50% of the polyhouses based on analysis of soil and root samples. The highest nematode damage (80%) and severity (48%) were observed in Mahalajaat; while the Zorr Shar region showed the highest nematode population density (360 J2s/200 cc soil). Several polyhouses displayed comparatively low infestation. The efficacy of locally accessible organic amendments (poultry manure, mustard cake, and farmyard manure) was evaluated against M. incognita from February to May 2021 in the polyhouse of Zorr Shar. The application of mustard cake @ 30 g/plant showed the lowest disease incidence (55%), population density (205 J2s/200 cc soil), and maximum fruit yield (3.1 kg/plant). A yield loss experiment due to M. incognita infection was carried out in a naturally infested polyhouse (293 J2s/200 cc soil). This study showed that RKN infection caused a 35% yield decrease in cucumber. To effectively manage the RKN disease in polyhouses and open fields in Afghanistan, the findings of the study are deemed relevant for further research.

First Page

569

Last Page

579

DOI

https://10.1007/s42360-023-00622-z

Publication Date

6-1-2023

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