EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SOIL SALINITY ON MELOIDOGYNE JAVANICA INFECTING OKRA AND BRINJAL

Abstract

The interaction of different levels of soil salinity on Meloidogyne javanica infecting okra and brinjal was studied in pots with salinity levels of 0.65, 2, 4, 6 and 8 ds m-1.Irrespective of nematisation, reduction in growth characteristics was observed in both the crops whereas interaction between salinity levels and nematode infestation for all the growth parameters was significant. Non inoculated plants had significantly better growth characteristics than inoculated ones. Root-knot index and number of egg masses, increased with increase in salinity levels which in turn increased the nematode reproduction and thereby the damage caused by it.