Nematode Diversity and Root-Knot Nematode Management Approaches for Sustainable Mulberry Production
Bharath KB *
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India.
Vinoda KS
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India.
Kavitha TR
AICRP Nematodes, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India.
Banuprakash KG
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Mulberry ecosystems are beset by the clandestine menace of nematodes, precipitating devastating consequences on plant productivity. This review highlights the importance of nematode diversity in mulberry ecosystems and explores various eco-friendly and sustainable approaches for managing the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita involving cultural, biological and host resistance methods. Various eco-friendly management strategies viz., cultural approaches like summer deep ploughing, mulching and trap crops; biological methods like bio-agents and plant extracts; and resistant varieties against the root-knot nematode infecting mulberry are reviewed and discussed providing an impetus for integrating multiple approaches for effective and sustainable root-knot nematode management.
Keywords: Mulberry, nematode diversity, Meloidogyne incognita, cultural, biological approaches, host resistance