Title : Soil solarization – An effective method for economic management of root-knot nematodes in crop nursery
Abstract:
Soil solarization has proven to be an effective non-chemical technique for managing plant-parasitic nematodes while simultaneously improving crop productivity and economic returns. Studies conducted at the Department of Nematology and Bidi Tobacco Research Station (BTRS) under Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand demonstrated that soil solarization using LLDP (Linear Low Density Polyethylene) transparent sheets during peak summer months significantly reduced nematode infestation, weed pressure and enhanced nursery performance in high-value crops. Soil solarization resulted in a 58–94 per cent reduction in root-knot nematode populations and 70–75 per cent decrease in root-knot index, depending on crop and treatment conditions. In tomato nurseries, solarization led to a 615 per cent increase in transplant production, accompanied by 38 per cent improvement in seedling vigour as measured by fresh weight at first pulling. Weed biomass was drastically reduced by 92 per cent, contributing to lower weeding costs. The root-knot index declined by 66 per cent, indicating effective suppression of nematode infection. Economic analysis revealed a high profitability of the technology with anIncremental Cost–Benefit Ratio (ICBR) of 1:5.65. In bidi tobacco nurseries, soil solarisation increased transplant production by 412 per cent over non-solarized soil and improved seedling growth and quality by 22 per cent. Nematode infestation was substantially reduced by 75 per cent decrease in root-knot index over control, while weed biomass was declined by 81 per cent. The economic viability of soil solarization in tobacco nursery was reflected by a high ICBR of 1:6.12, indicating substantial net returns despite the initial cost of plastic and labour. Additionally, soil solarisation favourably influenced soil health by increasing soil organic matter content by 45.5 per cent, total nitrogen by 41.6 per cent, soil porosity by 6.7 per cent, and water-holding capacity by 14.4 per cent, creating a more conducive soil environment for crop growth. Overall, soil solarization emerges as an eco-friendly, residue-free and economically viable alternative to chemical nematicides, particularly suitable for nursery management and integrated nematode management strategies in high-value cropping systems.
Key words: Soil solarization, Nematode management, Root-knot nematode
