Effect of amendments for the control of nematodes on peach seedlings

The effect of several amendments was evaluated against nematodes associated with peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) seedlings. Three major nematode populations were found in the soils including Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus, Xiphinema americanum and Pratylenchus thornei. Soil containing nematodes was collected from peach orchards near Kalat, Balochistan and filled in pots and peach seedlings were transplanted. Various soil amendments were applied including sawdust, sugarcane bagasse, neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder and marigold (Tagetes erecta) flower powder used alone and in combination with Fertinemakil. Untreated pots were kept as control. Carbofuran a chemical nematicide was used for comparison. Subsequently after 8 weeks nematode populations were studied. The results showed that amendments significantly influenced the nematode population though the nematode populations themselves did not differ significantly. The effectiveness of various amendments was in the order Carbofuran Fertinemakil marigold + Fertinemakil neem powder + Fertinemakil against Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus. With respect to Xiphinema americanum, Carbofuran neem powder + Fertinemakil marigold + Fertinemakil neem powder. While, Pratylenchus thornei was best abated by Carbofuran marigold + Fertinemakil neem powder + Fertinemakil marigold in that order. The role of different nematodes associated with peach is discussed.