Assessment of nematicidal potential of Cannabis sativa and Azadirachta indica in the management of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) on peach.

As many antagonistic plants are being continuously explored for their nematicidal potential against nematodes, therefore, in the present study two antagonistic plants viz. Cannabis sativa and Azadirachta indica at different doses viz. 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 g per kg of the soil were evaluated against Meloidogyne javanica on peach with the objective to curtail reliance on hazardous chemicals. Soil amendments of both the plants significantly reduced number of galls, eggmasses and eggs per eggmass on peach, root, soil, and total populations and reproduction factor of the nematode. Both the plants caused statistically similar reductions in these parameters at all the concentrations with few exceptions. However, the reductions caused by C. sativa were comparatively more than those by A. indica. The maximum reductions were observed at a dose of 15 g per kg of soil while the reductions were found to be the minimum with the lowest dose of 2.5 g per kg of soil. Similarly, the per cent reductions over control caused by both the plants were found to be dose dependent. As the concentration of the plant material increased, there was a corresponding decrease in the values of these parameters and the relationships were found to be inversely proportional. It is concluded from the present study that incorporation of C. sativa and A. indica in the soil as organic amendments can work very well as nematicides and can be successfully used for controlling root-knot nematodes replacing traditional chemical treatments and avoiding environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]