The Impact of Organic Soil Amendments on Population Densities of Plant Parasitic Nematodes and Okra Yield

Damaged okra plant roots as a result of plant parasitic nematodes infection leads to a reduced water and nutrients intake. The impact of some organic soil amendments on population densities of plant parasitic nematodes and okra yield was investigated between March and December 2013 in Ghana under natural field conditions. Neem (Azadirachta indica) seed and cocoa (Theobroma cacao) bean testa powders suppressed population densities of Meloidogyne incognita, Pratylenchus coffeae, Rotylenchulus reniformis and Helicotylenhus multicintus in 100 cm3 rhizosphere soils and 5 g roots weight. Suppression in population densities of the plant parasitic nematodes did not reflex into yield improvement.