Assessment of local plant materials for the management of nematode (Nematoda) infestation in tomato (Lycompersicum esculentus) production

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentus) is an important global vegetable crop that contributes to nutrient security. Production of this crop is constrained by many factors of which nematode (Nematoda) infestation is observed to be quite threatening. The efficacy of three local plant materials namely: Neem (Azadirachta indica), Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) and African marigold (Tagetes erecta) were assessed to suppress soil infested nematode for management strategy.  This was achieved by conducting field trials at Lower Nursery, Njala campus through establishment of experimental plots of tomato host plant in a factorially Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates in each treatment,  repeated twice in 2022 and 2023. Data were collected on percentage survival rate, morphological parameters, phenology and yield parameters of tomato host plant respectively. The Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS). Differences between mean values of the various parameters were determined by two-way ANOVA analysis while significantly different means were separated using the Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) test at p ≤ 0.05 level of significance. Azadirachta indica and Chromolaena odorata treatments proved to be highly effective in managing nematode in tomato production. Azadirachta indica and Chromolaena odorata treatments were the most efficient in managing nematodes among the options tested, as they recorded the highest percentage survival rates, agronomic parameters and shorter durations for both flowering and fruit setting compared to other treatments. Moneymaker and Mongal tomato varieties generally showed better survival rates, growth parameters and higher yields to Roma tomato variety. The neem treatment showed its extraordinary effectiveness with the highest survival rate as a percentage. This therapy is the most effective at suppressing nematodes among all those studied. With a higher percentage survival rate, the greatest fruit number and weight, and an effective treatment, Siam weeds have been demonstrated to be a viable substitute for neem. The neem and Siam weed therapy proved to be more beneficial than the marigold therapy, despite its mediocre success.