Mexican sunflower leaves as an alternative for the management of Pratylenchus brachyurus in okra

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to verify the potential of Mexican sunflower leaves (Tithonia diversifolia) as an alternative for the management of the nematode Pratylenchus brachyurus in okra. Two trials were conducted in a greenhouse, in a completely randomized design, with seven replicates, and each plot consisting of one pot containing one plant. Okra was used as an indicator plant and sorghum as a susceptible control. Treatments were five levels of green and dry phytomass (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g kg-1 soil) of T. diversifolia, incorporated in the soil or as soil cover, to evaluate their effect on P. brachyurus population. The incorporation of fresh leaves of T. diversifolia in the soil as green manure reduced P. brachyurus population 60 days after inoculation, especially the level of 20 g kg-1 soil, which allowed complete reduction in the nematode population (FR = 0.00). At 5 g dry phytomass of T. diversifolia, as soil cover, nematode population could be reduced by 2.96%, while the dry phytomass levels of 10, 15 and 20 g kg-1 soil eliminated the pathogen. In conclusion, the incorporation of fresh leaves of T. diversifolia in the soil and mulching with T. diversifolia leaves on the soil, in the form of dry phytomass, provided a reduction in the population of P. brachyurus in the soil and in the roots of okra, constituting an important alternative for the management of P. brachyurus.