ROOT-KNOT
Nematodes can attack ginger and turmeric such as root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne
incognita).This nematode has a very wide-host range and heavy infections may render drastic
reduction of ginger yield.
Symptoms:
The symptoms are similar to root gall as on tomatoes, cucurbits, lettuce, and other
vegetable crops.
Root knot infected ginger may have stunted growth with partial yellowing of plants.
On roots irregular round galls and spindle-shaped enlargements appear on the tap and
side roots (Plate-4).
The nematode larvae feed on roots causing the swellings or knots that are characteristic
of root-knot infection.
Roots are often stunted and deformed
Pathogen:
Root-knot nematode is caused by the plant parasitic nematode, Meloidogyne incognita.
Root knot nematodes are sedentary, endoparasitic and gall producing nematodes.
The infective stage is the second stage juveniles, which have lightly sclerotized cephalic
framework.
The stylet in juveniles and adult female is weak.
Third and fourth stage juveniles lack stylet and body is saccate.
Adult females are swollen, pyriform, saccate with short neck, vulva is terminal, perineal
cuticular pattern of striae is present, tail is absent, didelphic, prodelphic ovaries are
coiled, excretory pore is present near stylet base, large rectal glands produce gelatinous
matrix expelled through the anus.
Males are vermiform with single or paired testis, tail end is twisted and rounded, bursa is
absent, reproduction is parthogenic.
Disease cycle and epidemiology:
The second stage juveniles in the soil after searching a suitable site, normally behind the
root cap, start feeding on epidermal cells and penetrate in cortical layers of root.
They reach upto the stellar region, where they form giant cells for feeding.
Second stage juveniles initiate gall formation and feed for 7-15 days, undergo three
moults to become adult.
The total time taken for completing one life cycle under optimum conditions is 3-4
weeks.
Moderate temperature (29-30oC) and higher relative humidity (79-80%) favour M.
incognita reproduction and spread.
Management:
Crop rotation with non-hosts, graminaceous poor hosts and a few antagonistic crops for
one or two years have been reported to be effective in reducing the population of root
knot nematode.
Groundnut-mustard rotation was found most effective in reducing the population of M.
incognita.
Soil amendments (dry or green crop residues, oil cakes, meals, sawdust, FYM etc.) are
allowed to decompose in the nematode infested field, which in turn helps in alteration of
physical, chemical and biotic conditions of the soil.
At the time of field preparation, nematicides like Thimet or Phorate (12-15 kg/ha) should
be applied and immediately apply light irrigation. After 15-20 days again cultivate the
field and sow the crop.
Efficacy of various biocontrol agents like Paecilomyces lilacinus, Pasteuria penetrans and
Pseudomonas fluorescens in managing M. incognita has also been reported.
Other diseases of importance:
i. Yellows : Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend [Link]. zingiberi Treujillo
ii. Chlorotic fleck : Ginger Chlorotic Fleck virus
iii. Big bud : Tomato Big Bud Phytoplasma