Management of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood) in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal.) and senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) using non-chemicals

Abstract: Experiments were conducted for the management of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita using non-chemicals under controlled and field conditions in medicinal crops viz., ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and senna (Cassia angustifolia). All the treatments comprising of bioagents, organic amendments and humic acid were effective to suppress M. incognita population and to increase the plant biomass and yield of economic parts of these crops. Among the treatments, the use of plant growth promoting rhizobcaterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens available commercially in talc formulation (2.6 X 10⁶ cfu g^-1) at 2.5 kg ha¹ as soil application recorded the lowest nematode population accompanied with highest economic yield.