Nematodes and maize growth in Nigeria. III. Effects of cocoa pod husk soil amendments on populations of Pratylenchus brachyurus and on the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Because of the high cost of chemicals for the control of nematodes in Nigeria, a search was initiated (Egunjobi and Larinde, 1975) for cheaper cultural methods of control. Of three natural farm by products tested by Egunjobi and Larinde (loc. cit.) coca pod husk (CPH) decreased soil populations of Pratylenchus brachyurus (Godfrey) T. Goodey around maize roots by about 58% and increased yields. About 800,000 tons of dry CPH are available annually in Nigeria as a waste product (Ogutuga, 1974). Investigations were therefore undertaken on the use of CPH as a soil amendment to reduce nematode populations and to assess its fertilizing effects.