Management of Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne Javanica) with Leaf Powder of Waltheria Indica (Velvet Leaf) on Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L)

Abstract

The research was conducted to find out the effect of Waltheria indica (Velvet leaf) on the management of root-knot nematode under screen house condition. Twelve perforated 20cm diameter plastic pots containing 4 kg sterilized loamy soil 50g/pot, 40g/pot, 30g/pot of Waltheria indica powder incorporated into them except the control pot. Okra seed of Wemson spineless were plant into the pots and inoculated with 1000 M. javanica juveniles one week after emergence. The results of the experiment showed plant treated with 50g/pot recorded the highest mean plant height (32.50cm), number of leaves (10.00), number of fruit (15.00), fruit weight (12.10g). It also recorded the lowest nematode population (81.00) and galling index (2.00). It was then concluded that W. indica leaf powder had nematicidal potential. Based on these findings, it is recommended that field studies should be tried under natural condition to ascertain the effectives of plant on M. javanica.