PREVALANCE OF ROOT KNOT NEMATODE (MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA) INFECTION IN VEGETABLE CROPS IN CHHATTISGARH.

A field survey to study the prevalence of root knot nematode infection in vegetable crops was conducted in five districts of Chhattisgarh from December 2006 to November 2007. Soil and root samples from 42 farmlands belonging to 28 villages were collected using standard methods along with information on factors affecting root knot nematodes, such as, topographical features, soil texture and methods of irrigation and control. Isolation of the nematodes from the soil and root samples was done using Cobb's Sieving and decanting method and modified Baermann funnel technique. Identification of nematodes was done microscopically by examination of perineal patterns of females. Population density of nematodes was determined per 10 gram of root sample and 200cc of soil sample. Out of the total farm area (1137.2 acres) surveyed, 1.79% of the total vegetable cropland was found to be affected by root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita). The highest average population density was found in the village Funda (Patan) being 2169 nematodes/10gm root and 29993 nematodes / 200 cc soil. Among the several genera of vegetable crop plants surveyed Lycopersicon esculentum, Dolichus lablab and Momordica charantiashowed the presence of root galls with the highest average population density being in Dolichus lablab in the month of January.