Management of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) with moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaf powder

A major constraint facing sweet pepper production is infestation by nematodes leading to reduced yields.

Sowley, E. N. K.; Kankam, F.; Adomako, J.

2013

English

A major constraint facing sweet pepper production is infestation by nematodes leading to reduced yields. Field studies were conducted during the 2012 cropping season at the Experimental Farms of the University for Development Studies, Nyankpala, Northern region, Ghana, to determine efficacy of various levels of moringa leaf powder for the control of root-knot nematodes in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in the savanna ecology of Ghana. Treatments consisted of three levels of moringa leaf powder (40, 60 and 80 g/L) per plot and 0 g/L (control). The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with each treatment replicated four times. The infestations of root-knot nematodes were significantly lower in the moringa leaf powdertreated plots than the control. Although significant differences were not observed in all the parameters evaluated among the moringa leaf powder treatments, sweet pepper plants treated with 80 g/L of moringa leaf powder per plot recorded the highest mean value of plant height, number of leaves, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant total yield per plot and the thickest plant girth. Similarly, the sweet pepper plants treated with 80 g/L of moringa leaf powder had the lowest infection index (root gall) and nematode population. Application of moringa leaf powder at 40, 60 and 80 g/L increased sweet pepper yield and decreased nematode population confirming their potential in management of root-knot nematodes.