Effects of soil solarization and powdered botanicals on nematode population, soil physical properties and weed diversity

Plant parasitic nematodes have significant effects on plant health, crop productivity, and food security. A study was designed to evaluate the effect of soil solarization and botanical powder, solely and synergistically, on the population of nematodes, soil physical properties and weed diversity during the rainy season (between June and August 2023). Seven treatments, including standard check and control, were evaluated. The seven treatments were transparent polythene, transparent polythene and powdered botanicals (Carica papaya and Vernonia amygdalina), black polythene, black polythene and powdered botanicals (C. papaya and Vernonia amygdalina), powdered botanicals (C. papaya and V. amygdalina) only, standard check (Carbofuran) and control. Treatments were applied on plots measuring 1.4 m x 1.6 m (2.24 m2) in a completely randomized design with three replications. Data were collected on nematode population, soil moisture content, soil temperature and weed diversity. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Minitab Software, Version 17. The results obtained showed that black polythene, used singly, had the highest reduction (44.84%) of the overall nematode population and 50.00% reduction of the Meloidogyne spp. population. It also had the highest reduction, 60.00%, in the population of Meloidogyne spp. when used with powdered botanicals. Furthermore, the two treatments had 100.00% inhibition on weed growth. Transparent polythene had the highest increase in soil temperature (31.48%) and moisture, 1.80%. Black polythene may be recommended for use in the management of soil-borne plant parasitic nematodes during the rainy season. It has the added benefit of weed control.