Influence of Neem-fortified cocoa pod husks soil amendment on Meloidogyne incognita in cocoa.

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to assess the effect of Neem-fortified Cocoa pod husks soil amendment against the root-knot disease caused by Meloidogyne ingonita on cacao seedlings, Theobroma cacao L. cv. F₃ Amazon.  Cocoa pod husks (CPH), combined use of Neem leaves and CPH, and Neem seeds plus CPH decreased the number of juveniles and galling due to Meloidogyne incognita.  The greatest decrease was obtained with Neem seed-fortified cocoa pod husks with a corresponding increase in the plant growth.