Effect of Bacillus pumilus IIHR Bp-2 1% A.S. and Pseudomonas putida IIHR Pp-2 1% A.S. on Meloidogyne incognita infecting okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)

Abstract

Field studies were conducted for three seasons from 2015-16 to 2017-18 on bio-management of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in okra. The study revealed that liquid formulation of BCAs, Bacillus pumilus IIHR Bp-2 and Pseudomonas putida IIHR Bp-2 were at par with each other in reducing the nematode population and increasing okra yield. It was found that seed treatment with BCAs at 10 ml kg -1 followed by soil application of Farm Yard Manure (20 tons ha-1) after enrichment with liquid formulations @ 5 lit recorded 66.51 to 67.57 per cent decrease in nematode population and 29.44 to 30.83 per cent increase in okra yield with cost benefit ratio of 1: 1.91 to 1: 1.93. It was followed by chemical treatment with carbofuran @ 1 kg a.i. ha-1 which revealed 50.76 to 62.42 per cent reduction in soil nematode population and 16.19 to 16.38 per cent increase in okra yield. Hence, this study proves that liquid formulations of Bacillus pumilus IIHR Bp-2 and Pseudomonas putida IIHR Bp-2 can be used as promising components in integrated nematode management packages for successful management of M. incognita in okra.