Effect of some fertilizers on hatching of cereal cysts nematode, Heterodera avenae

Abstract Experiments were conducted in laboratory and pot conditions to determine the effects of urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate (SSP), muriate of potash (MOP) and zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) on hatching of Heterodera avenae. Two concentrations of each fertilizer were tested in lab for which 10 cysts and 5 ml of each concentration were taken in 5 cm diameter Petri plates. Observations were recorded at weekly intervals up to six weeks. Urea, DAP, SSP and MOP inhibited hatching and ZnSO4 increased it. After six weeks, hatching was least (5.45%) in higher dose of urea and greatest (46.9%) in higher dose of ZnSO4. In pot experiment, two doses of urea and single dose of SSP, MOP, and ZnSO4 were applied in H. avenae-infested soil and WH-1105 wheat was sown. Observations on nematodes in roots, soil and remaining cyst contents were recorded 40 days after sowing. Among all the fertilizers, least nematodes in soil and roots were found at higher dose of urea and greatest number in ZnSO4.