Abstract

This study investigated the potential of some selected fertilizers to suppress root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) on eggplant. Treatments consisted of two spraying periods of liquid fertilizer (Super Gro) at 2 and 4 weeks apart, 20 kg/ha and 40 kg/ha Organic manure (geese dropping) at 2 week intervals and untreated plants (control). This was established in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and repeated three times. The result obtained was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and tested for statistically significant differences between treatment methods using the least significant difference (LSD) at a probability level of 0.05. The results of this study showed that the use of selected fertilizer types enhanced the eggplant productivity index. The organic manure at 40 kg/ha gave the highest significant (P≤0.05) number of fruits (18.10 and 13.63) and fruit weight (0.44 and 0.38 kg/ha). The treated plants also recorded the longest significant root length (P≤0.05) and lower root gall index compared to the treated eggplant (Control). The results of the study indicate that the organic fertilizer applied at 40 kg/ha was suitable for the soil in the study area and able to improve eggplant yield parameters and effective in suppressing root knot nematode infection.