Abstract:
Plant parasitic nematodes constitute one of the major biological constraints in plantain production. The nematodes destroy the primary roots of plantain, thereby disrupting the plants’ anchorage system. Numerous pest management techniques are commercially available for the management of these pests, but the techniques are expensive, laborious and undesirable due to associated toxicity and environmental hazards. This study was conducted to assess the nematicidal effects of red acalypha (Acalypha wilkesiana) leaf extract on plant parasitic nematodes and subsequent plantain yield. The experiment was a randomized complete block design of four treatments; pared control (P), non-pared control (NP), pared+acalypha (PA) and non-pared+ acalypha (NPA). Roots and rhizome damage by nematodes were assessed in order to score the degree of internal necrosis. Parasitic nematodes on the roots were extracted and counted using the modified Bearmann technique. Helicotylenchus multicinctus, Meloidogyne species and Radopholus similes were the most prevalent parasitic nematode species in all root samples examined. Reduced incidence of dead roots and root necrosis index were recorded among the acalypha treated plants. They also gave the best yield. Results from the experiment indicate that red acalypha plant (Acalypha wilkesiana) leaves could be deployed by plantain farmers and stakeholders in crop protection for the management of plant parasitic nematodes. |
