An Evaluation of Biocontrol Agents Against Sugarcane Lesion Nematode, Pratylenchus Zeae

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted at Sugarcane Research Station, to find out the field efficacy of ecofriendly management of lesion nematode, Pratylenchus zeae in sugarcane.  The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with thirteen treatments replicated three times.  The initial nematode population was assessed prior to planting by analysing the soil samples.  Soil samples were collected on 90, 180, 270 and 360 days after planting the cane.  The soil samples were processed and analyzed for nematode population.  The germination percentage was counted on 35 days after planting.  The tiller count was taken up on 90 days after planting.  Cane samples were collected on 10^th month and analyzed the juice for commercial cane sugar percentage.  The pooled analysis of the two years, main and ratoon crop data revealed significant reduction in the population of lesion nematode, Pratylenchus zeae in sugarcane plants treated with Carbofuran 3G 1kg a.i/ha followed by neem cake @ 2t/ha and Purpureocillium lilacinum 2.5kg/ha. Significant reduction in nematode population was observed upto harvest of the crop.  The above treatment also significantly enhanced the cane yield.  The treatment Carbofuran @ 1kg a.i/ha, neem cake 2t/ha and Purpureocillium lilacinum 2.5kg/ha resulted 79.87, 77.65 and 75.94 percent reduction in lesion nematode population over control.  The above treatments also enhanced the no. of millable cane/ha, cane yield, sugar yield, commercial cane sugar and benefit cost ratio.  The cost benefit ratio worked out for the treatments Carbofuran @ 1kg a.i/ha, neem cake 2t/ha and Purpureocillium lilacinum resulted 1:2.89, 1:2.66 and 1:2.58 respectively.