Management of root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) on tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) using organic wastes in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 dry seasons in Arewaci and Kurmi Bomo areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria, to test the efficacy of three organic wastes, namely refuse dump (RD), rice husk (RH) and sawdust (SD), for the management of root knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., on tomato. Organic wastes were applied at the rate of 15, 30 and 45 metric tons per hectare. Furadan (3G) was applied at the rate of 16, 32 and 64 kg/ha and non-amended plots served as control. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Four weeks old tomato seedlings (cv. Roma VF) susceptible to root knot nematodes were transplanted at a number of eight seedlings per plot of 2 m × 1 m with 45 cm spacing between stands. Fertiliser application, weeding, irrigation and other practices were done as recommended. The results showed that RD treatment gave the significantly (P = 0.05) highest reduction in the nematode population compared to nonamended treatment. It resulted in a significant (P = 0.05) increase in the yield of tomato by 17-100% for RD, 13-84% for SD and 21-63% for RH.