Evaluation of Farmyard Manure (FYM) and Compost Manure for the Control of Root Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentus Mill.) in the Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

Abstract

Field experiment was carried out on the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri, during the cropping season of 1997 to evaluate the effectiveness of farmyard manure (FYM) and compost manure for the control of root knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) in tomato.  There were five treatments viz:  cowdung, poultry manure, sheep + goat manure, compost manure and control.  100kg/ha of each of this treatments were incorporated into the soil per plot measuring 2m x 2m four weeks before the start of the experiment and replicated three time in a randomized complete block design (RCBD).  Results showed that the initial and final population of nematodes were non significant and significantly different respectively.  Nematode number per 5g of root was observed under control and lowest in treated plots with FYM and compost manure.  Root length, shoot length and shoot weight were highest in treated plots and lowest in the control.  Root weight and root knot galls, however, were highest under control compared to treated plots.  The yield was non-significant.  However, higher yields were recorded in treated plots and lowest in the control.