Nematicidal Potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Based Products against Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and Yield Enhancement in Tomato
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Abstract
Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is one of the most destructive soil-borne pathogens that severely affect tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production worldwide including Bangladesh, causing significant yield losses. The present study was conducted to evaluate the nematicidal potential of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) based products for the management of M. incognita and their effects on tomato growth and yield under both pot culture and field conditions during 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 cropping seas. Different neem formulations, including neem seed extract, neem leaf extract, neem oil, and commercial neem cake, were applied artificial root knot nematode infested soil amendment. In pot house condition, all neem based product was effective against root knot nematode and increased plant growth parameters. In the field condition, results revealed that all neem products significantly reduced root-knot gall index, and increased plant growth parameters such as shoot and root growth as well as fruit number and yield of tomato compared to the untreated control. Among the tested treatments, neem oil cake and neem seed extract treatment exhibited the best nematicidal activity, with a reduction in gall index and remarkable improvement in plant height, shoot weight, root weight, fruit number, and total yield of tomato. Neem leaf extract, neem leaf powder and chemical nematicide Furadan 5G treatments also performed better in reduction of gall index, improving plant growth and yield of tomato compared to untreated control. These findings suggest that neem-based products, particularly neem oil cake and neem seed extract, are effective, eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic nematicides for sustainable root-knot nematode management and yield improvement in tomato production systems.
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