Integrated Management of Meloidogyne javanica infecting bottlegourd

The root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) occupy a paramount position as they have wide host range, worldwide distribution and interaction (disease complex) with bacteria, fungi and viruses make them potentially serious constraints and limiting factors to the crop produce. They reduce yield and quality of susceptible vegetable and other crops .The plant parasitic nematodes severely caused damage to the cultivated crops. Majority of plant species (member of family Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae) that account for the major world¿s food supply are susceptible to attack from root-knot nematode which are capable of causing sustainable economic losses in the quantity and quality of the crops. The root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) cause an annual monetary loss to the tune of Rs. 547.50 million in cucurbits.The use of chemicals is not sustainable, it affects the agro-ecosystem adversely and have toxic effect to human health .Attentions have been diverted to standardize methods for eco-friendly management of nematodes. All these factors led to a search for safer and more compatible alternatives among which the nematostatic compounds from the plants or plant products.