EFFECTS OF SOME ORGANIC MANURES ON NEMATODES IN TOMATO CULTIVATION

Abstract

Studies of the effects of poultry manure, cow dung, horse dung, fruit canning factory waste and burnt township refuse on some plant-parasitic nematodes affecting tomato (Lycoparsicon esculentum) were carried out at Ibadan. All soil amendments were applied at 2 levels each. Poultry manure and cow dung were superior to all other organiz manures in terms of growth, vigour and yield. Although citrus fruit canning factory waste gave good nematode control, the fruit yield was very poor because of poor seedling survival and establishment. Burnt township refuse gave highest increase in soil organic matter content while poultry manure gave highest increase in Phosphorus content of the soil. Root gall rating at the end of the trial were significantly reduced by all organic manures. Populations of all nematodes fell immediately after application of soil amendments but rose gradually thereafter.