The effect of different nitrogen fertilizers on root-kknot nematodes

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is one of the most important vegetables cultivated globally, yet it is susceptible to yield losses in production areas due to the damages of Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica. The use of pesticides in the management of these pests has been met with concerns regarding its environmental impact on non-target organisms. Consequently, there is a pressing need to explore alternative solutions. In this context, the present study was conducted with the objective of investigating the relationship between chemical fertilizsers, which are utilised annually to enhance plant growth, and plant parasitic nematodes. The study sought to ascertain the potential of these fertilizsers to be employed within the framework of integrated control strategies.The experimental design involved the investigation of the effects of seven distinct ppm doses of five different nitrogen fertilizsers on M. incognita and M. javanica, as observed in the susceptible Tueza F1 tomato variety. The findings of the study revealed that all doses of nitric acid fertilizser exhibited 100% efficacy against both plant parasitic nematodes within 72 hours, while UAN fertiliserfertilizer at 50 ppm and ammonium sulphate fertiliserfertilizer at 25 ppm and above doses demonstrated over 80% efficacy.However, a significant efficacy was observed only at the 1600 ppm dose of Urea fertiliserfertilizer. The pot experiment revealed that the 25, 50, and 100 ppm doses of all fertiliserfertilizers exhibited no efficiency. However, ammonium sulphate and nitric acid fertiliserfertilizers at 200 ppm and above demonstrated significant activity against M. incognita. Furthermore, UAN and urea fertiliserfertilizers exhibited significant suppressive effects against M. javanica at 200 ppm and above. The remaining fertiliserfertilizers were found to be suppressive against both plant parasitic nematodes at doses of 400 ppm and above.