ABSTRACT
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) infect most crop plants and cause considerable economic losses worldwide. Chemical control measures have been employed for a long time to control disease-causing pathogens, but their incessant use has led to toxicity to animals and human beings and hazardous environmental effects. Alternate management strategies such as organic soil amendments are now being used to control PPNs. Oilseed cakes are a highly effective option that not only suppresses pathogen populations but also enriches the soil’s nutrient status, resulting in improved plant growth and yield. Mahua seed cake is used as an organic fertilizer and is highly efficacious in controlling PPNs. Mahua oilseed cake is rich in organic matter and contains nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and micronutrients like calcium and magnesium. It helps in improving soil fertility and nutrient uptake by plants and is antagonistic to different soil-borne pathogens, including nematodes.
