author(s)
Nisha MS, Anusree SS and Sooraj S

abstract
A survey conducted in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Idukki districts in Kerala during 2017-18, revealed that Meloidogyne incognita was the most damaging nematode in pepper. As a better alternative to chemicals, preliminary screening of aqueous extracts of weed plants was conducted for their nematicidal properties and selected plant materials were subjected to solvent extraction. Methanolic extract of Andrographis paniculata, Glyricidia maculata and Chromolaena odorata were found effective against M. incognita. Results of pot culture experiments using different plant preparations revealed that A. paniculata dried powder @ 50g/kg soil was equally effective to A. paniculata dried powder @25g/kg soil in suppressing nematode population in soil and root (88 to 92 per cent reduction over untreated). Micro plot studies confirmed that above treatments are significantly superior to Purpureocillium lilacinum and neem cake treatments. Soil amendment with A. paniculata dried powder can be recommended as the best substitute for chemical nematicides in managing root knot nematode infestation in pepper.