Explore the Nematodes Associated with Scarlet Garden Eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum) and Implement Soil Amendment for Effective Management

Nematode infections cause severe damage to crops like eggplants. Information on the effects of nematodes on scarlet eggplant is rare. This study investigated the effect of soil amendments on soil nematodes population densities under garden eggplants. The completely randomized block design with replicated treatments was utilized. The trials were conducted in a field infested with four nematode species: Meloidogyne, Hoplolaimus, Helicotylenchus, and Pratylenchus. Number of nematodes per plot were extracted, plant height was measured with tape, and number of leaves were counted. Biochar (10 tons ha-1 (100%)) excelled in the control of these nematodes, followed by cow dung (100%) and Bauhinia purpurea (100%), then cow dung (5 tons ha-1 (50%)), and Bauhinia sp. (50%). Hoplolaimus sp. multiplied or survived most, particularly on biochar (50%) followed by Pratylenchus sp. on Bauhinia sp. (50%). All treatments had similar nematode populations. At 3 weeks after transplanting (WAT), cow dung 50%, Bauhinia sp. 100%, and Bauhinia sp. 50% induced the production of taller plants than the control. At 5 WAT, cow dung 50% was the best material for producing taller plants followed by Bauhinia sp. 100% and Bauhinia sp. 50% then biochar (50 and 100%). At 3 WAT, all organic control agents performed better than control, except for biochar. At 4 WAT, all the organic control agents except biochar 50% performed better than control. Finally, at 5 WAT best control material was cow dung 100% followed by Bauhinia sp. (100%), Bauhinia sp. (50%), biochar (100%), and cow dung (50%). These amendments are all recommended.