Management of Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne Spp.) in Cucumber Under Protected Cultivation System

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a valued vegetable crop produced on a large scale throughout the year in a protected cultivation system. Its growth, development, and production are best in well-drained, fertile soil with 6.5 to 7.5 pH. Due to minor crop rotation and monoculture in protected structures, they are severely attacked by soil-borne pathogens. Between them, root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are the most intractable root endo-parasites that cause dramatic damage and severe crop yield losses. Environmental conditions of protected structures favor root-knot disease incidence and development. The non-availability of resistant crops, biological agents, and technology limitations are the key obstacles to their control. Therefore, agrochemicals are the only reliable method of root-knot disease management. In the present investigation, available nematicides (abamectin, metham sodium, fluopyram, and phorate 5G) were engaged in randomized block design with four replications at naturally infested farmer polyhouse (626.66 J2/ 200 cc soil) located at Mirwais Mina area of Kandahar city. Data on disease incidence, disease severity, soil nematode population, and fruit yield of cucumber were recorded 45 days after sowing the seed and at the termination of the field. All the data were statically analyzed using SPSS software (v.24.0.0). Among the treatments, metham sodium was found superior on plant and nematode parameters, followed by fluopyram. About 3.23 kg yield/plant loss was recorded caused by root-knot nematodes in protected cultivation systems. Based on findings, rotating fumigant and non-fumigant nematicides could be a reliable management method in a highly infested commercial protected structure.