Use of marigold (Tagetes sp.) for the successful control of nematodes in agriculture
Author(s):
Mainak Bhattacharyya
Abstract:
Control of plant parasitic nematodes through antagonistic plants has some advantages like biodegradability, selective toxicity to target pests, safety to non-target organisms and environment and is renewable in nature. The primary soil borne plant parasitic nematodes having spear like mouth parts used to feed on plant roots cause serious reduction in yield and quality of wide variety of crops. Management of nematodes in agriculture include crops that are not hosts of these plant parasitic nematodes, using resistant available plants, applying chemical nematicides, soil solarization, use of organic amendments, employing trap crops, microbial biocontrol agents and plants that are antagonistic to parasitic nematodes. Wild marigolds Tagetes sps are highly toxic to the plant parasitic nematodes and are capable of suppressing wide range nematode pests. The plausible mode by which marigolds suppress plant parasitic nematodes is through the biochemical interaction known as allelopathy. The root exudates of marigold known to contain toxic bioactive chemicals having nematicidal, insecticidal, fungicidal, antiviral and cytotoxic activities. Thus as a method of biocontrol of nematodes, growing of marigolds is not only a comely but also highly economical and helps in environmental amelioration.
How to cite this article:
Mainak Bhattacharyya. Use of marigold (Tagetes sp.) for the successful control of nematodes in agriculture. Pharma Innovation 2017;6(11):01-03.