Nematicidal Properties of Moringa oleifera, Chromolaena odorata and Panicum maximum and Their Control Effects on Pathogenic Nematodes of Yam | Chapter 04 | Advances and Trends in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 3
A field study was conducted at Atonsu, Sekyere Central District, Ghana from 2013 to 2014, to (i) determine the effects of Moringa oleifera, Chromolaena odorata and Panicum maximum as ex-situ mulches, on soil nematodes population after two years of yam cropping and (ii) assess the effects of the soil nematodes on the yield and physical tuber quality of yam. The field experiment was a 3x3 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was ex-situ mulch types at three levels; Panicum maximum (farmers’ choice), Chromolaena odorata and Moringa oleifera. The second factor was natural fallow aged systems at three levels: 3, 5 and 7 years old. Data collected included nematode population changes, total tuber yield of yam and tuber physical quality assessment. Generally, Meloidogyne spp., Pratylenchus spp. and Scutellonema spp. were the nematode genera identified. However, Scutellonema spp. was found to be the most pathogenic nematode aff...