Management of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in pulses by crop rotation

Root-knot nematodes multiply very fast due to continuous cultivation of susceptible crops. Various technologies are being used for their management. Among them, crop rotation is the oldest and effective method. Root-knot susceptible cow pea variety Gujarat Dantiwada Vegetable Cowpea 2 (GDVC 2) and resistant variety Anand Vegetable Cowpea 1 (AVCP 1) were rotated with susceptible, resistant, non host and poor host crops for three years during Kharif, Rabi and summer seasons in root-knot nematode infested field and okra was also grown as a test crop in Kharif of fourth year. Cowpea (R) – onion– cowpea (R) rotation was found most effective rotation in which minimum nematode population, root-knot index and highest yield was recorded availing maximum income benefits. Cow pea, chickpea and mung were susceptible to root-knot nematodes therefore; nematode population and root-knot index were maximum in cowpea (S) – chickpea - mung rotation.