Biocontrol Potential of Pochonia chlamydosporia Against Meloidogyne incognita in Okra

This study evaluates the efficacy of the biocontrol agent Ami Pochonia chlamydosporia in managing root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) cultivation at the Ami Experimental Farm in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, over a year.The analysis used a randomized block design and comprised two treatments: one with P. chlamydosporia, a seed treatment and soil amendment at 1 kg per acre, and a control group with no treatment.The results showed that the treated plants had substantially enhanced growth parameters, with average heights of 156.34 cm versus 101.65 cm in the control, root lengths increasing from 24.23 cm to 47.16 cm, dry shoot weights increasing from 13.11 g to 21.53 g, and dry root weights increasing from 2.25 g to 7.43 g.Furthermore, Ami P. chlamydosporia decreased the root-knot index from 5.45 to 1.45 and nematode populations by 52.34%, from 371.34 to 219.18.The treatment also increased yield by 30.05%, to 5.09 t/ha, compared to 4.12 t/ha in the control.The Incremental Cost-Benefit Ratio (ICBR) of 1.91 demonstrates considerable financial benefits; promoting the conclusion that P. chlamydosporia is a viable and sustainable approach to reducing root-knot nematodes in okra, increasing crop yields, and maintaining soil health.