Occurrence of Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on Carrot in Kerala

摘要

In Kerala, the cultivation of carrot was previously restricted to the hilly tracts of the State. Recently with the introduction of new tropical varieties it has become popular in the plains too. A survey has been conducted in Thiruvananthapuram and Idukki districts of Kerala, to study the nematodes associated with carrot. The survey revealed that root-knot nematode was the most important nematode pest attacking carrot in Vellayani, Moongodu and Ottoor areas of Thiruvananthapuram district and Pampadumpara and Vattavada area of Idukki District. Nematode damaged plants exhibited'stunting, yellowing and patchy growth. The root system showed medium to big galls. The tap root which is the economic part of the plant showed distortion, forking. The lateralroots exhibited beard appearance. Beading of root system was also noticed. In the case of severe infestation, the tap root system got reduced and converted to a mass of multiple galls.