Integrated control of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica infecting tomato

In a field naturally infested with Meloidogyne javanica, age of tomato nursery (cv HS 101) at transplanting alone, and in combination with bare root dip treatment with phosphamidon at transplanting/field treatment with aldicarb or ‘neem’ (Azadirachta indica) leaves were tried for control of root-knot nematode. Transplanting of eight-week-old tomato seedlings alone reduced root knot index and final population resulting in better yield compared to four-week-old seedlings. However, statistically they were at par with each other. Spot treatment of aldicarb @ 1 kg a.i./ha at transplanting in tomato seedlings of either age gave significantly lower final population and higher yield compared to other treatment combinations. Bare-root dip treatment with phosphamidon @ 1,000 ppm for eight hours at transplanting, was effective against nematode but phytotoxic.