Control of Root-Knot Nematode Pest of Okra using Ocimum gratissimum Compost Technology
1Abolusoro, S.A; 1Aremu, C.O; 1Ige, S. A; 2Izuogu, N.B; 3Abolusoro, P. F. & 4Obaniyi, K .S.
1Crop and Soil programme, Landmark University, P.M.B. 1001, Omu- Aran, Kwara State,
2Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin, Kwara State
3Department of Agric. Education, Kogi State College of Education, Technical Kabba
4Department of
Agricultural Economics and Extension, Landmark University, Omu-aran
ABSTRACT
A research work was carried out at Landmark University teaching and research farm Omu-Aran in 2016 and repeated at the same time in 2017 to evaluate the effects of various levels of Ocimum gratissimum compost on the growth and yield of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) infested okra. A randomised complete block design experiment was conducted, comprising of 5 treatments made up of 3 levels of Ocimum gratissimum, one level of Cabofuran ( a recommended synthetic chemical for nematode control) and an untreated control which acted as standard check. O. gratissimum composts was applied at 10, 15 and 20 t/ha while Cabofuran was applied at the rate of 3kg active ingredient per hectare (3kg/ai/ha) and the untreated control that acted as standard check. The findings from the experiment showed that O. gratissimum compost brought about a significant reduction in soil nematode population and levels of damage to root-knot nematode infested okra which resulted in significant increase in the performance of okra compared with the untreated control. The efficacy of O. gratissimum compost was comparable with that of Cabofuran in most cases. The efficacy of the compost treatment against root knot nematode was found to increase in line with the quantity applied. The result of the experiment confirmed O. gratissimum compost as a potent and effective soil amendment material that can be used for the control of root-knot nematode in infested soils and as a formidable protectant for susceptible crops to root knot nematode.
Keywords: okra production, Ocimum gratissimum compost, root-knot nematode, soil amendment, okra yield
