Management of Phytonematodes Infecting Vegetables in Ekiti and Ondo States Using Hydromorphic Fields

Background and Objective: Phytonematodes are a serious problem in vegetable fields, through their feeding habits they impair vegetable roots making it difficult for nutrient absorption and consequently lower yields. Field experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017 to investigate the effects of hydromorphic fields and conventional fields planted to Amaranthus cruentus, Solanum macrocarpon and Telfairia occidentalis on nematode populations in Ekiti and Ondo States Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 soil samples were collected from five Local Government Areas (LGAs) visited in the states. Soil samples were collected from two hydromorphic fields and two conventional fields in all the LGAs visited. Nematodes were extracted, counted and analyzed using Analysis of Variance. The nematodes were identified under a compound microscope based on their morphological features. Results: The hydromorphic fields consistently and significantly reduced the populations of Meloidogyne, Rotylenchulus and Hoplolaimus, their effects on Pratylenchus and Helicotylenchus was in consistent, while the populations of these nematodes were significantly high in conventional fields planted to the vegetables. Conclusion: The study suggested that hydromorphic fields may be an effective strategy in nematode management.