Acalypha indica (Indian-nettle) harbours and spreads root-knot nematode in agricultural fields

Acalypha indica L. is a commonly growing weed in India, which is also known as Indian nettle. These plants were growing as a weed in pots wherein okra was planted for experimental purpose. Infestation of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita was observed on it. Soil and root samples were taken for analyses of nematode infestation. Roots of the infested plants were severely galled and second stage juvenile recovered from soil samples. The root galling and presence of high population of nematode eggs and J2 revealed that A. indica can be a reservoir for M. incognita during non-host cropping and serve as a source of infestation to other hosts in the next cropping season.