Management of Root-Knot Nematode infesting Carrot

Carrot (Daucus carota) is an important vegetable crop grown all over the world under varying agro-climatic conditions. It is one of the rich sources in carotene and is recommended in the human diet. It is consumed as both in fresh and processed form, besides in confectionary preparation and pickles. Carrot is prone to many diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes. Among them, Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a serious pest and a major limiting factor in the commercial production of carrot. Symptoms include typically forked and malformed carrots, numerous knots on the tap root and secondary roots and localized areas of stunted plants in the field. When carrots are left in the soil for long period, nematodes often enter lenticels area and cause large galls. Looking to its economic importance, several pesticides have been tested for the management of nematode and found effective, but due to health hazards, residual toxicity, environmental pollution and hike in their cost, adoption of pesticides by farmer¿s is limited. Therefore, attempts were made to develop effective, economical and ecofriendly techniques for the management of this nematode pest.