Integrated Management of Root-Knot Nematode using Fresh Manure and Cropping Regime for improved growth and yield of Tomato

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetables worldwide. Tomato productivity is limited by among other factors, biotic constraints including root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species), which lower both quality and quantity of the crop. Two trials were conducted at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Kenya, to evaluate effects of fresh manure and cropping regime on management of root-knot nematode and tomato plant development using cow dung, goat dung, no manure, and with and without slender leaf intercrop. Variables measured were nematode infestation, plant height, stem collar diameter, number of internodes and branches, number of fruits and fresh fruit weight. Use of fresh manure and slender leaf intercrop showed suppressive effect on nematode population resulting in a 27.8% to 53.5% reduction in nematode population and significantly improved tomato growth, fruit numbers by 22.2% to 49.7% and fresh fruit weight by 24.5% to 80.4% when used alone and in combinations compared to the control treatment. The combination of fresh goat dung and slender leaf intercrop resulted in the highest reduction in nematode population of 53.5% and highest increase in total number of fruits of 49.7% and fresh fruit weight of 80.4%.