Occurance of plant parasitic nematodes associated with Cucumber

Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a serious pest of vegetable crops and major limiting factor in the commercial production of cucumber in many parts of the Karnataka, India. Cucumber is a well known crop throughout the country due to its versatility as food and medicine. It is also known for its edible fruits because it is delicious, crispy, high in nutrients, low in calories and excellent source of fiber needed for a healthy digestive system. Hence cucumber farming plays a vital role in the locality. Compared with other vegetables, cucumber occupies fourth place in the world next to tomato, cole crops and onion.The root-knot nematode was first discovered in England in a green house on cucumber discovered them as ¿vibrios¿ on cucumber roots in a green house and in Holland and are worldwide in distribution and attack many economically important crops and more than 3000 plants including cucurbits have been recorded as hosts . The damage caused by root knot nematode is much higher in tropical and subtropical countries. They reduce crop yields considerably both qualitatively and quantitatively.