Efficacy of Wild Sunflower Compost on Root Lesion Nematode, Pest of Maize

摘要

Field trials were conducted during 2010 and 2011 planting seasons to assess the bio-nematicidal potential of wild sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia) compost in the control of Pratylenchus brachyurus infection on maize (Zea mays) cv ACR 97. Field trialswere arranged in randomized complete block design, with 5 treatments, each replicated 4 times. Experimental plots where no compost were applied served as the control; while other treatments were 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 tons/ha. The result obtained shows that higher application rates of 2.0 and 2.5 tons/ha. gave significant (p<0.05) control measure on P. brachyurus with resultant higher growth and yield of maize. The soil nematode population where 2.0 and 2.5 tons/ha were applied had significant (p<0.05)lower number of P. brachyurus. The result of the phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids, which were hypothesized to be the nematoxic principles in wild sunflower compost.