Latex of Calotropis procera, a new hope in the biological management of root-knot nematode infesting chickpea

A pot experiment was carried out to evaluate the nematicidal properties of latex of Calotropis procera alone and along with carbofuran through all the three methods of application viz. seed coating, seed soaking and soil application against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Race 1) in chickpea. Latex of Calotropis procera was found to be very effective in increasing the plant growth parameters and reducing the multiplication of root-knot nematode in soil. Among the three methods of application, seed coating resulted as one of the most efficient method of application in treating chickpea plants.