Response of nutrient elements to Nemarioc-AL® phytonematicide in Swiss chard under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) is susceptible to the root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) since registered nematicides for this vegetable are not readily available. As a result, the noble product Nemarioc-AL® phytonematicide is currently used to manage plant parasitic nematodes on various crops. The product consistently suppressed nematode numbers. The efficacy of the product on nematode suppression was comparable to synthetic chemical nematicides. However, there is a lack of information on how the product will affect accumulation of nutrients in Swiss chard. Leaves of Swiss chard are an excellent source for Na and Mg; stems contain high K contents. The study was conducted to investigate how selected nutrient elements in Swiss chard would respond to concentrations of Nemarioc-AL® phytonematicide. Treatments ranging from 0% to 64% were applied weekly for 8 weeks. Potassium (K), Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn versus Nemarioc-AL® phytonematicide exhibited positive quadratic relations, with models explained by 96%, 79%, 64%, 78% and 77% associations, respectively. Increasing concentration of Nemarioc-AL® phytonematicide increased accumulation of selected nutrient elements in leaf tissues of Swiss chard.