Potential role of bio-inoculants and organic matter for the management of root-knot nematode infesting chickpea

A pot experiment was conducted during 2013-14 to observe the potential role of some organics and bio-organics such as Calotropis procera, Glomus fasciculatum, and Azotobacter chroococcum on some growth attributes of chickpea and subsequently on the root-knot development caused by Meloidogyne incognita. Individual and conjoint treatments significantly enhanced the plant growth parameters as compared to unamended control. Physiological parameter such as chlorophyll content also exhibited significant improvement in all the treatments over non-amended control. The highest improvement in growth parameters of chickpea was observed in combined application of G. fasciculatum and A. chroococcum in pots amended with C. procera. Moreover, combined treatments of both bio-inoculants and C. procera markedly reduced the multiplication and reproduction rate of root-knot nematodes in terms of number of root galls and nematode population. Percent mycorrhization in terms of external and internal colonizations was increased significantly in plant amended with organic and bio-organics conjointly. The regression studies revealed significant relationship between number of galls and some plant growth variables. Present findings may promote organic-based farm products and eco-friendly management of M. incognita as this is a safer and cost-effective option.