Effect of organic amendment on organic metabolites in root knot nematode (Meloidogyne Incognita) infested spinach

Abstract

The Nematodes are roundworms that are found in every environment of the earth. While some species are harmful parasites, others play a vital role in nutrient cycle and medical research. Nematode infestation in the fields is poly-specific; however, depending on the agro-climatic conditions, one or two species are dominant over the rest. The present studies attempts to observe and control the root knot infestation on spinach (<em>Spinacea oleracea), </em>which belong to Chenopodiaceous family and is extensively cultivated in India for its nutritious leaves. Various organic metabolites have been estimated in root knot nematode infested spinach, including chlorophyll, total carbohydrates, and total free amino acids. Spinach plants, infested with root knot nematode, have been treated with peels of lemon, which proved beneficial in terms of increased chlorophyll content. Altered total carbohydrate and total free amino acid content have been found with S/4 of lemon-peel-treated spinach plants. It has been found that the infested spinach shows 137.5% carbohydrate content over the normal plants. The kaghzi neemboo amended spinach contains lower carbohydrate than normal-control. Rate of carbohydrate contents has been found to be inversely proportional to the rate of extracts concentrations as S/4, S/2, and S show 92.5%, 55%, and 37.5% increase over normal-control spinach. The bio-amendment of citrus aurantifolia, (kaghzi neemboo) helps controlling root knot nematodes, which is more beneficial than using chemicals to control the same, as the chemical fertilizer causes pollution, exerting negative impacts on flora and fauna.