Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST ON ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA AND THEIR EFFECT ON VEGETABLE CROPS

K. Shanthi and V. Dhanalakshrni

Abstract

Vermicornpost is an organic amendment derived from the decomposition and stabilization of organic wastes by interaction between microorganisms and earthworms. The use of vermicompost in the production of commercial green crops has been investigated in the laboratory and substitution of small amounts into soil less growth media has proven to be a valuable practice to increase plant growth, boost plant yields and improve the physical properties of soil (Atiyeh et al. I 999,2000 a, b,2001 a, b). The present investigation is undertaken to study the effect of vermicompost on infestation of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognito and their influence on plant characters of Tomato and Chilli.