Abstract:
The rice root-nematode Hirschmanniella oryzae, and
rice root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne graminicola have emerged
as a major threat to rice cultivation. Therefore, the management of
nematodes is highly essential for reducing severe damages in rice
cultivation. A pre-tested questionnaire survey was conducted in five
selected districts. Farmers were selected from farmer communities
in each site by using a simple random sampling method (n=150)
and, evaluated the effectiveness of new molecules of nematicide
and non-chemical management package against nematode in a field
experiment. The treatments were Abamectin 0.5% GR with three
different dosages, poultry manure, paddy husk, and untreated control
with three replicates. Area of 50 m2 each plot arranged in a
Randomized Complete Block Design. The number of nematodes
in soil, root-knot percentage, and yield data were recorded. The
survey revealed that farmers in Mahaweli Systems B and C suffered from yield loss due to nematode attacks. The experiment
results indicated that Abamectin 0.5% GR is effective for managing
nematodes irrespectively of the dosage. Moreover, the application
of poultry manure and paddy husk reduced nematodes from21/20g
soil to 6/20g. The pilot trial indicated that there was no significant
difference among Abemactin and organic manure applied fields in
both nematode count and final yield. Therefore, it can be suggested,
the application of poultry manure and paddy husk is a cost-effective,
environmentally friendly method for controlling nematodes in the
rice field. However, further large scale adaptive trials are needed
to confirm and develop the well-adapted, non-chemical package
against nematodes in rice fields.
