Efficacy of Carbofuran in Controlling Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne javanicaWhitehead, 1949) on Cultivars of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea(L.) Verdc.) in Yola, Nigeria

Abstract

Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterreneaL. Verdc.) is an important crop produced in Adamawa State of Nigeria. However, the production of the crop is seriously threatened by root-knot nematodes (RKNs;Meloidogyne spp.). Since cultural methods have not been very effective in controlling RKN, carbofuran was evaluated to determine its efficacy in controllingM. javanicain Yola during 2002 and 2003. Three bambara groundnut cultivars (Kwachanjiwa, Kwaheuma, and Kwatolotolo) were evaluated using three application timings (at planting, 3 and 6 weeks after planting, and none). Results indicated that applying carbofuran at planting provided the greatest reduction inM. javanicapopulation levels, which lead to increased yields in bambara groundnuts compared to the other two application timings. Furthermore, both Kwachanjiwa and Kwatolotolo provided similar high yields compared to Kwaheuma, which was most likely related to theM. javanicatolerance in these cultivars.