Abstract
Studies on root-knot nematodes of Paulownia fortunei and P. tomentosa were undertaken both in the nursery and experimental plots at New Forest, Dehra Dun. Both Paulownia spp. were found susceptible to root-knot nematodes which were identified as M. incognita and M. javanica of which the latter was predominent. Root-knot nematode incidence was found to be 60% in P. fortunei and 46.67% in P. tomentosa in the nursery whereas 40% in young sapplings of P. fortunei in the experimental plots. Pathogenicity test was successfully conducted. Application of furadan in soil reduced gall formation in inoculated plants by 57.14% and increased plant biomass by 61.78% as compared to inoculated control plants without nematicide. On the other hand, application of deoiled neem cake @ 5g and 10g/pot controlled gall formation to the extent of 73.21 and 96.64% respectively and enhanced plant biomass by 105.27 and 174.48% respectively.
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