Population Dynamics and Eco-friendly Management of Root Grub and Root-knot Nematode using Entomopathogenic Nematode and Fungi in Small Cardamom

The present investigation was undertaken to study the seasonal fluctuations and eco-friendly management of root grub, Basilepta fulvicorne (Jacoby) and plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN), including Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) in small cardamom from January 2022 to December 2023. This study documented that the B. fulvicorne incidence was negligible during November to January, with no grubs recorded from February to April 2022 and March to April 2023. Populations increased thereafter and peaked during September 2023. Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) populations followed a similar pattern, with minimum densities in February 2022 and January 2023, reaching a maximum during August 2023. Pearson correlation analysis showed a strong positive association between B. fulvicorne and PPN populations and significant correlations with rainfall, rainy days and relative humidity. The combined application of Heterorhabditis indica (ICRI EPN-18), Metarhizium anisopliae (ICRI MA RG-3), and Purpureocillium lilacinum resulted in complete suppression of B. fulvicorne and reduced root-knot nematode galling by more than 85 per cent, offering an effective eco-friendly management strategy for small cardamom.