Estimation of crop losses and eco-friendly management of maize cyst nematode

Abstract

Maize cyst nematode (Heterodera zeae) is the most important nematode pest of maize and reported to cause significant losses in Rajasthan due to monocropping, favourable soil and environmental conditions. Therefore, an experiment was carried out to estimate the avoidable yield losses caused by H. zeae on maize with the application of carbofuran at 2 kg a.i./ha in naturally infested field with test nematode. Results revealed that application of chemical significantly reduced nematode population and avoided yield losses of grain and straw to the tune of 25.1–26.3 per cent and 21.9–25.2 per cent, respectively. In another trial, efficacy of neem, karanj and mahua (deoiled cakes, dry leaves and seed kernel powder) were tested as row and broadcast application @ 0.5 t/ha for the management of this nematode. Results revealed that neem seed kernel @ 0.5 t/ha when applied as row application was most effective for the management of maize cyst nematode whereas karanj seed kernel @ 0.5 t/ha applied in rows was best to enhance yield of grain (56.4–59.6 per cent) and straw (52.6–57.6 per cent) followed by neem seed kernel and karnaj cake @ 0.5 t/ha over untreated control.