Effects of Crop Residues on Bacteria and Nematode Populations in Soil Planted with Plantain.

Abstract

Plant parasitic nematodes constitute major threat to the growth and yield of plantain crop. The application of synthetic nematicides is widely accepted among farmers for the control of nematode infections on crops, but the attendant problems posed on non-target toxicity including consumers, soil and environmental pollutions are quite worrisome for the users and consumers. It is therefore imperative to devise alternative approaches that are eco-friendly, affordable yet potent in the management of nematode infection on crops. This study which was carried out in two locations: Federal University Technology,Akure (FUTA) and College of Agriculture, Osun State University, Ejigbo campus, Nigeria. The study evaluates the potential of three crop residues (biochar, cocoa pod husk and rice bran) in the management of soil inhabiting nematodes as well as the soil microbial loads. The crop residues were applied on soil grown with plantain. The initial and nal soil inhabiting nematodes and bacteria populations were determined on the soil grown with plantain. Phytochemical composition of the crop residues was done in the laboratory following standard methods. The application of the crop residues resulted in a signicant decrease in the the populations of the four nematode genera (Meloidogyne, Radopholus, Helicotylenchus and Tylenchulus), while the microbial load increased signicantly compared to the control. The phytochemical composition of the crop residues revealed the presence of saponin, tannin, alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and glycosides. The results of this study showed that the crop residues have the potential to suppress the population of soil nematodes and application of crop residues are suggested as suitable and sustainable measure for the management of soil inhabiting nematodes.