EFFECT OF ZINNIA ELEGANS AS A MIX-CROP ALONGWITH TOMATO AGAINST MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA AND ROTYLENCHULUS RENIFORMIS

Abstract

Effect of nematicidal potential of Zinnia elegans Jacq., as a mix-crop along with tomato againstMeloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis was studied under greenhouse conditions. The final population of both nematodes and their rate of build up as well as the root gall index were significantly affected by the number of zinnia plants when grown together with tomato. There was a negative correlation between the number of zinnia seedlings and the final population of both nematodes. The lowest final population and rate of build up of nematodes were recorded at the highest number of zinnia plants (4 plants per pot). The highest root gall index (4) was found on roots of tomato grown alone, while the lowest (0.7) was found on roots of tomato grown with four plants of zinnia. This type of control is considered inexpensive and pollution free.