Integrated nematode management schedule incorporating Neem products, VAM and soil solarization against Heterodera cajani infecting pigeonpea

In a field microplot study effective integrated nematode management schedules observed against pigeonpea cyst nematode, Heterodera cajani were: (a). soil application of neem seed powder @ 50 kg/ha + soil solarization (transparent polythene sheet of 400 gauge thickness for a period of 4 weeks) + VAM @ 100 kg/ha; (b). seed treatment with neem seed powder @ 10% w/w + soil solarization + VAM @ 100 kg/ha. The performance of both these schedules was almost similar as they provided maximum plant growth and grain yield as well as maximum reduction in nematode population. The cost-benefit ratio was found to be 1:2.54 and 1:2.60 for treatments (a) and (b), respectively, which indicated these to be economically viable.