Title : Management of phytonematodes in potato in india
Abstract:
Global production of potato is about 320 MT of which China (72 MT), Russia (35 MT) and India (26 MT) are the major producers. Plant-parasitic nematodes are a significant factor limiting potato production and tuber quality in several regions where potato is produced. Overall, parasitic nematodes alone cause an estimated annual crop loss of $ 78 billion worldwide and an average crop yield loss of 10–15%. In India, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Assam, Haryana, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh are the major potato producing states. In India among, Potato Golden Nematodes ( PGN) ( Globodera rostochiensis & G. pallida), Root - Knot nematodes (RKN) ( Meloidogyne incognita & M. javanica ) both on roots and tubers Reniform ( Rotylenchulus reniformis),Stunt ( Tylenchorhynchus spp.),Spiral ( Helicotylenchus spp.) & Lesion ( Pratylenchus spp.) parasitizing potato, PGN and RKN are major crop damaging enemies. Feeding of both these nematodes reduces vigor of plants and causes blemishes on tubers. The latter can lead to a severe reduction in tuber quality. Symptoms of damage include stunting, yellowing of plant leaves and loss of plant vitality.
Nematode infection can be checked by using certified planting materials from nematode infection, strictly observing sanitation of farm, implements used, adding adequate good quality organic manures such as FYM, deoiled cakes as fertilizers. Even soil solarization with LLDPE 40 microns clear film and growing nematode free rotation crops like rapeseed. mustard, sudan grass, etc. can help to manage nematodes. Bio agents viz. Pochonia chlamydosporium, Purpuriocillium lilacinum , Pasteuria spp. Trichoderma spp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, etc. can be used for nematode management
Based on two years pooled data,application of Denicotinized Tobacco Dist (DTD) containing (12-13% Ca, 0.2-.0.6 % nicotine,2.2 % N,0.50% P & o.40% K) indicated no toxic effects of DTD on seed germination even in higher dose of DTD 16 t/ha .Both common scab and RKN diseases were decreased significantly with corresponding increase in DTD doses from 4-16 t/ha indicating 61.72% and 53.47 % decrease in common scab and RKN diseases respectively over control. Similarly in another field trial based on two years pooled data, potato seed treatment with Boric acid and Trichoderma viride + Pseudomonas fluorescens each @ 3 % (w/w) coupled with soil application of Trichoderma viride + Purpuriocillium lilacinum + Pseudomonas fluorescens each @ 4 kg/ha under crop row proved cost effective practice for management of Common scab and root- knot nematodes in potato field. Even soil fumigation with Metham- Sodium and shell DD has also proved effective for suppressing cysts nematodes in potato fields. However,there is an urgent need to take up massive efforts by nematologists for management of potato nematodes to help farmers in India.
