Efficiency of Amended Composts for Biocontrol of Root-Knot Nematode Infected Cantaloupe, Cucumis melo Var. Cantalupensis in Egypt

Abstract

Nematodes are considered a severe agricultural concern. Meloidogyne nematodes can attack a wide range of plants, necessitating a variety of management techniques to reduce their population. The current study compared AGRN compost, VERMI compost in solid and tea shapes, and COMPOSTIVE compost to oxamyl as a chemical nematicide on cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis) infected with root-knot nematode to determine its effect on cantaloupe growth under greenhouse and plastic house conditions. The results showed that all treatments improved plant growth parameters significantly in greenhouse settings. They also lowered the final population and rate of Meloidogyne incognita reproduction in soil and roots. The COMPOSTIVE compost and VERMI compost tea had the best effect on decreasing root-knot nematode population in the soil, number of galls, and egg masses on roots under plastic house conditions. In comparison to untreated plants, all treatments increased fruit weight. They also improved the fruit quality, with 12.7 % Total soluble solids (TSS), 3.90 mg/100ml total protein, and 15.31 mg/100ml total sugar after treatment with COMPOSTIVE compost.