Influence of Chitosan Alone or in Combination with Chicken Manure, and Humic acid on Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita Infecting Faba Bean

A greenhouse experiment evaluated the host susceptibility of three Egyptian faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivars (Sakha 4, Giza 716, and Giza 843) to root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. Results showed that Giza 843, and Sakha4 were the most susceptible hosts. However, Giza716 considered moderately resistant host. With increasing M. incognita inoculum levels, the final nematode population in soil and egg masses/root system on faba bean plants increased. Plant growth decreased only slightly at lower initial inoculum levels; however with increasing levels of inoculum and plant growth characteristics were significantly reduced compared to control plants. Some organic amendments (chitosan, chicken manure and humic acid) were evaluated alone or in combination, and nematicide (Fosthiazate 10 G) against M. incognita. All treatments significantly reduced number of galls, egg masses on root, and final juveniles' population (J2s) in soil. The nematicide, Fosthiazate achieved the highest decrease in the percentage of galls number (81%), number of egg masses (83.7%), and final nematode population (89.5%). Combination of chitosan + chicken manure induced a reduction in galls number (65%), egg masses number (75.6%), and final nematode population (84%). Meanwhile, Chitosan + humic acid reduced galls number (48.8%), egg masses number (56.7%), and final nematode population (74.7%). Results showed that all treatments considerably increased shoot and root fresh weights, root weight, shoot length, pod weight, and number of nodules per plant compared to control (nematode only). In addition, all treatments increased the chemical constituent's contents of elements N, P, K, protein, and carbohydrates in faba bean seeds.