Bio-control of Radopholus similis on Black Pepper, Piper nigrum L. under field conditions Koshy P.K.*, Sosamma V.K., Samuel Rachel Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Krishnapuram P.O., Kayangulam, Kerala-690 533. *Present mailing address: Puthenkandathil, Angadical, Puthencavu, P.O., Chengannur, Kerala-689 123. Abstract The burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis is known to cause pepper yellows of black pepper. An attempt was made to manage the burrowing nematode population infesting black pepper under field conditions for four years, using the bio-control agents viz. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Paecilomyces lilacinus and Pasteuria penetrans. The black pepper vines were trailed on to individual live standards of Glyricidia maculata stems. The plants inoculated with burrowing nematode alone had the minimum vine length, number of leaves, shoot and root weight, maximum root-lesion index and highest population of burrowing nematodes. The bio-agents individually or in combinations were highly effective in enhancing plant growth and suppressing nematode multiplication. This study clearly indicated that both burrowing and root-knot nematode population on black pepper can be managed using the three bio-agents and can avoid the application of nematicides. The introduction of the bio-agents is to be done to the nursery potting mixture as well as into the planting pits at the time of transplantation in the field. Top Key words Biocontrol, Radopholus sirnilis, Piper nigrurn, Pasteuria penetrans, Paecilornyces lilacinus. Top |