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Nematode infesting castor and their management

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Nematodes infesting castor and their management
K. Sankari Meena1, P. Manju2, Ch. Akhila3, M.V. Deborah3 and K. Pranahitha3
1. ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad
2. Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu
3. Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University, Hyderabad
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Castor, an important oilseed crop, is often attacked by plant-parasitic nematodes that cause severe yield and quality losses. Among them, Reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis) and root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) are the most destructive. Reniform nematode is widespread in the castor-growing regions of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. This nematode infested plants show stunted growth, yellowing of lower leaves, wilting, delayed flowering, and poor seed yield with reduced oil content. Below the ground, roots appear necrotic and poorly developed. The kidney-shaped females can be seen partially embedded in the root tissue, with egg masses visible under a microscope. Root knot nematode is commonly observed in Castor in Saurashtra (Gujarat) and parts of Rajasthan. The crop infested by root knot nematode exhibits stunting, yellowing, wilting during hot hours, poor seed set, and uneven plant stand. The roots develop characteristic galls or knots, with pear-shaped females and egg masses inside or on the surface of the roots.
Besides direct damage, these nematodes act as precursors in making the castor plants more vulnerable to fungal and bacterial diseases, worsening crop losses.
These nematodes can survive for long periods in the absence of a host crop by remaining dormant in the soil or in association with plant debris. Once a susceptible host such as castor is available, they invade the roots and establish feeding sites that divert the plant&rsquo;s nutrients. Yield losses due to nematode infestation in castor can range from 15-20%, and in severe cases, even higher. Apart from reducing the seed yield, they also lower the oil content and quality, directly affecting the economic returns for farmers.
Management Strategies
Effective control of nematodes in castor requires an integrated approach, combining cultural, biological, and varietal resistance measures.
Cultural practices include crop rotation with non-host crops like maize, sorghum, or pearl millet for 2&ndash;3 years, which helps to lower the nematode populations. Summer fallowing, soil solarization (covering soil with clear plastic sheets), and deep summer ploughing also reduce eggs and juveniles by exposing them to high temperatures and natural predators. Besides, adding organic amendments such as farmyard manure, neem cake, or mustard cake improves soil health and encourages microbes that suppress nematodes.
Biological control is an effective approach for nematode management. Fungi like Purpureocillium lilacinum and Pochonia chlamydosporia parasitize the nematode eggs and reduce their infestation. Beneficial bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis, B. aryabhattai, Pseudomonas spp., and Pasteuria penetrans suppress nematode activity when applied as soil treatments.
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&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Castor root infested with Rotylenchulus reniformis Castor root infested with Meloidogyne incognita &nbsp; Integrated Nematode Management (INM) A single control measure is usually insufficient to manage nematodes, hence an integrated strategy is essential. Along with cultural and biological practices, the following measures can be adopted:
&middot; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Botanical amendments: Application of neem leaves, pongamia cake, or castor cake in soil has shown suppressive effects on nematode populations. These botanicals also improve soil organic matter and microbial activity.
&middot; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Green manuring and biofumigation: Incorporating green manure crops such as sunnhemp, dhaincha, or mustard before sowing castor helps release bio-toxic compounds during decomposition that suppress nematodes.
&middot; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Trap cropping: Growing crops like marigold (Tagetes spp.) as a trap crop can reduce Meloidogyne populations, as their roots stimulate nematode hatching but prevent their multiplication.
&middot; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Soil health management: Regular addition of composts, vermicompost, and biofertilizers not only improves soil fertility but also favours the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms that keep nematodes in check.
Recent Advances Research has demonstrated the potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) such as Heterorhabditis and Steinernema species in nematode suppression, when combined with bioagents. Similarly, the use of chitin amendments promotes chitinolytic bacteria and fungi that attack nematode eggs and juveniles. Screening of castor germplasm for resistant genotypes is underway, and once developed, resistant varieties will serve as a long-term, eco-friendly solution for the nematode management.
Conclusion Nematodes are hidden enemies of castor, silently damaging the crop both directly and indirectly. Since they persist in the soil and interact with other pathogens, their management should be preventive rather than curative. Adopting a holistic nematode management strategy that integrates crop rotation, organic amendments, biocontrol agents, and resistant varieties will ensure sustainable castor production and safeguard farmer&rsquo;s income.
References:
1. &nbsp; Lone, J.A., Parveen, G. and Khan, T.A., 2014. Comparison of concomitant and sequential inoculation of Steinernema sp. in the management of reniform (Rotylenchulus reniformis) nematode infecting eggplant. e -Journal of Science &amp; Technology. 9(2): 97&ndash;111.
2. &nbsp; Parveen, G. and Bhat, S.A., 2011. Eco-friendly management of Rotylenchulus reniformis and Meloidogyne incognita on castor by using botanical amendments with potential antihelminthic properties. Nematologia Mediterranea. 39: 197-201.
3. &nbsp; Patel, D.J. and Patel, S.K., 2009. Integrated nematode management in groundnut and castor crops. In: Integrated Plant Pathology (p. 139). Scientific Publishers.&nbsp;