Report on heavy infestation of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica) from Bishnupur District, Manipur

Some areas of Bishnupur District were selected in which small scales of sponge gourd cultivation was done. During June to October in 2023, some areas were visited in the village where heavy infestation of root- knot nematode were notice on the roots as well as the above ground parts. Patches growth were seen on the field. Chlorosis and yellowing of leaves which resembles nitrogen deficiency symptoms were found on leaves. Wilting of the plants, stunted growth, defected and premature fruits were also observed. Flowers were reduced and fall off easily which leads to sudden death of the plants. The roots of the plants have multiple large size galls formation. The galls formations were different, where some of the roots produced small size galls and some of the roots have very large size galls formation. Some control measures like crop rotation with non-host crops, summer deep ploughing, proper sanitation, application of neem cakes or mustard oil cakes, ashes were advised to the farmers for reduction of the nematode population as well as to promote better growth and yield production.