Studies of Nematodes Associated with Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (Linn) Moench) in District Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh

Nematodes are commonly referred to as non segmented round worm, thread worms or pin worms. It‟s body is elongated, cylindrical, bilaterally symmetrical and tapering towards both end. It is pseudocoelomate and dioecious with sexual dimorphism. It‟s impact on agriculture by way of inflicting is quite substantial. In the District Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh, in the present study on nematodes, two types of nematodes have been detected from the roots and rhizosphere of okra crop. These two are Ectoparisitic and Endoparisitic. The present study also reveals that percentage of Meliodogyne incognita is quite high in some parts of the District of Bilaspur. Okra is susceptible to root-knot nematodes damage. If Okra is to be grown in areas prone to nematode attacks Nematicide must be sprayed prior to planting. Non chemical management of nematodes can be accomplished through the use of soil solarization, crop rotation or the use of nematodes suppressive crops.