DISTRIBUTION AND VIRULENCE OF ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES ON SUMMER VEGETABLES IN SUDHNUTI DISTRICT OF AZAD JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) are root pathogens of important vegetable crops belong to genus Meloidogyne with worldwide distribution resulting in responsible for huge yield losses. Tropical species cause severe yield losses on vegetable crops in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. A detailed field survey was conducted in vegetable producing areas of the district Sudhnuti for the estimation of incidence and collection of the RKN targeting variety of vegetables. A total of 65 sites were visited during the survey, 47 sites found with 72 percent incidence and severity galling index range 2-8. Eggplant, tomato, cucumber, okra, beans, cucurbits, and chilies observed as the most frequently cultivated vegetables in the area. Host plants harboring RKN were enlisted along with non-host plants on positive sites. The altitude, longitude, latitude, and other related data of the surveyed sites were documented and a distribution map was prepared. The cucumber was found most frequently infested crop with 11 infested fields followed by okra and other cucurbits with 9 fields and tomato with least field infestation 07 fields. RKN was not infesting chilies crop in the area. The study elaborates a detailed comprehensive picture of incidence, prevalence and virulence potential of RKN in the Sudhnuti district, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan on vegetable crops.