Suitability of Brassica oleracea leaves in managing Meloidogyne incognita through the ground leaching technology system under microplot conditions.

摘要

The ground leaching technology (GLT) system was introduced in low-input farming systems in response to the withdrawal of methyl bromide from agrochemical markets and the amelioration of conventional organic amendment drawbacks in managing plant-parasitic nematodes in olericulture. The primary indicator for success in GLT system is that potent nematicidal chemicals be released through leaching by water, while in conventional organic amendments potent chemicals are released through microbial degradation. Due to widespread availability of cabbage (Brassica oleracea) leaves in local markets as a waste, the material would be readily available for use in GLT systems in peri-urban agriculture. The objective of the study was to determine whether crude extracts of B. oleracea leaves were suitable for use in GLT system for managing the root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) nematodes and improving growth of tomato (Solanum lycorpersicum). A 2x2x2 factorial experiment, with the main factors being Bacillus species, crude extracts of B. oleracea leaves and Meloidogyne incognita, was conducted over two seasons under microplot conditions. At harvest, Bacillus x Brassica x nematode interaction reduced final nematode population densities, fresh fruit yield, dry shoot mass, plant height and stem diameter, while Bacillus x Brassica interaction increased tomato growth variables. Incidentally, Brassica alone reduced the productivity of tomato. Overall, the efficacy of crude extracts of B. oleracea leaves in nematode suppression and tomato productivity was dependent upon microbial activities and therefore, the material was not suitable for use in GLT systems.Digital Object Identifier http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09064710.2012.711351