Impact of Mulching of Green Leaves for the Management of Nematodes Associated with Banana

Field trial was conducted to study the effect of mulching of green leaves on lesion and root-knot nematodes and its consequent effect on biometric characters and yield of banana. The treatments consisted of leaves of Gliricidia maculata, Chromolaena odorata and banana as mulch; paring+ hot water treatment at 550 C for 10 minutes + application of neem cake @ 500g/plant (check) and untreated control. The results revealed that, extent of galling (12.88 galls per 5g root), nematode population in root (12.18 per 5g root) and soil (114.7 per 200cc soil) were found to be the lowest in G. maculata green leaf mulching @5kg/pit compared to other treatments. The treatments significantly increased plant growth and yield over the untreated control. The highest yield (22.4 t/ha) and maximum population of saprophytic nematode, Eudorylaimus sp. (280/200cc soil) were recorded in G. maculata green leaf mulching @ 5 kg/pit, which could be an eco-friendly management approach for root-knot and lesion nematodes in banana.