Integrated Nematode Management in Horticultural Crops

P. Parvatha Reddy

Mar 2012 · Scientific Publishers

About this ebook

Nematodes continue to threaten horticultural crops throughout the world, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Estimated overall average annual yield loss of the world’s major horticultural crops due to damage by plant parasitic nematodes is 13.54%. Monetary losses due to nematodes on 10 horticultural crops, six of which are life sustaining were estimated at US $ 19.37 billion annually based on 1984 production figures and prices.
The farmer in his anxiety to contain the nematode pest may resort to indiscriminate use of nematicides posing hazard to the environment. Since the horticultural produce especially fruits and vegetables are consumed afresh, consumers expect residue-free produce both for internal and export markets. In this context, developing ‘Integrated Nematode Management (INM)’ strategy is the challenge before the nematologists. The present book is an attempt which comprehensively deals with both principles and practices of INM. The first part deals with the principles of INM covering aspects such as introduction, role of nematodes in horticulture, interactions with other micro-organisms and nematode management options such as regulatory, physical, cultural, chemical, biological and integrated methods including host resistance. The second part deals with practices for nematode management in horticultural crops such as fruit, vegetable, ornamental, medicinal, aromatic, plantation, spice and tuber crops.

This book is a practical guide to practicing farmers of horticultural crops. Further, it is a useful reference to policy makers, research and extension workers and students. The material can also be used for teaching undergraduate and post-graduate courses.

About the author

P. Parvatha Reddy

Dr. P. Parvatha Reddy obtained his Ph. D. degree jointly from the University of Florida, USA and the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. He served as the Director, IIHR, Bangalore from 1999 to 2002 and during that period the Institute was honoured with “ICAR Best Institution Award”. Prior to that he also served as Head, Division of Entomology and Nematology at IIHR and gave tremendous impetus and direction to research, extension and education. Dr. Reddy has over 350 scientific publications to his credit, which includes 16 books, 4 technical bulletins, 35 book chapters, 13 review articles, 174 research papers and 10 popular articles. He has also guided two Ph.D. students at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. Dr. Reddy served as a member of the Research Advisory Committee of National Centre for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi; National Research Centre for Citrus, Nagpur and Project Directorate of Biological Control, Bangalore. He also served as a Member of the ICAR Scientific Panel for Nematology and Member, QRT. He is the Honorary Fellow of the Society for Plant Protection Sciences, New Delhi; and Founder President of the Association for Advancement of Pest Management in Horticultural Ecosystems (AAPMHE), Bangalore. Dr. Reddy has been awarded with the prestigious “Association for Advancement of Pest Management in Horticultural Ecosystems (AAPMHE) Award”, “Prof. H.M. Shah Memorial Award” and “Hexamar Agricultural Research and Development Foundation Award”.