Archives Of Phytopathology And Plant Protection

Field assessment of efficacy of nitrogen salts to control the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) on tomato

Muwaffaq R. Karajeha* and Farah M. Al-Nasirb

aFaculty of Agriculture, Plant Protection and IPM Department, Mutah University, Mutah, Jordan;

bFaculty of Agriculture, Plant Production Department, Mutah University, Mutah, Jordan

Abstract:

Influence of different nitrogen salts at electrical conductivity levels (EC2, 4 and 8 mmhos/cm) on tomato and root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) and their interactions was evaluated under field conditions. It was found that both diammonium phosphate ((NH4)2HPO4) and ammonium sulphate ((NH4)2SO4) were more effective than ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) in causing an obvious suppression of M. javanica infection on tomato through reducing root galling and nematode reproduction and improving tomato growth and yield and their suppressive effect was similar to that of oxamyl or ethoprophos. At higher ECs, the tested nitrogen salts did not greatly affect pH, EC and salinity of rhizospheric soil except NH4Cl at EC8 that caused higher EC and salinity over the untreated control which makes NH4Cl less suitable candidate. Therefore, the use of (NH4)2HPO4 and (NH4)2SO4 alone or in combination with other control measures could control M. javanica and improve the growth and yield of tomato under field conditions.