Suppressive Effects of VAM on Root Damage Caused by Phytophthora capsici, Radopholus similis and Meloidogyne incognita in Black Pepper

Abstract

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), a native of Western Ghats of Kerala, is cultivated for its berries which form an important spice. In its natural haibtat the vines are free from disease. However, under intensive cultivation both as pure and mixed crop in coconut and arecanut plantations it is affected by phytophthora capsici. Radopholus similis and Meloidogyne incognita either separately or in combination resulting in slow decline due to loss of feeder roots. When P. capsici infects the main stem it results in death of the affected vine. The suppressive effect of VAM, Glomus fasciculatum on these three pathogens was studied in a. pot" culture experiment. VAM inoculated plants showed enhanced growth and dry matter production as compared to uninoculated ones, irrespective of subsequent inoculation with pathogens. The extent of root damage and foliar yellowing was less in VAM inoculated plants. Thus. prior inoculation of black pepper with VAM provided better protection of the root system against the challenge posed by the three pathogens: