Effect of Shea Nut Shell Biochar on Root Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Abstract

Effect of shea nut shell biochar on root knot nematodes and performance of tomato was investigated under nematode inoculated soils. Steam sterilized soil was admixed with biochar, which was later inoculated with 1000 second stage juveniles (J2) two weeks after transplanting. Tomato variety (Petomech-GH) was planted in potting medium of soil to biochar ratio of  one part of biochar (250 g) is to one part of soil (1B1S), one part of biochar is to two parts of soil (1B2S), two parts of biochar is to one part of soil (2B1S), and no biochar application (control). Steam sterilized soil amended with biochar inoculated with 1000 second stage juveniles (J2). The result indicated that, biochar increased the pH of the soil, lessened the adverse effects of Meloidogyne spp., resulting in decline in galling and improvement in growth and yield of tomato. Increased biochar concentration resulted in decreased nematode gall formation on the roots of the tomato plant. Biochar amended soils resulted in lower egg masses. Increased biochar concentration resulted in decreased performance of tomato plant. Tomato plants treated with low biochar concentrations (1B2S and 1B1S) produced higher fruit numbers and weights, and plant biomass.