Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has identified a new foreign root knot nematode, destroying guava trees in the State.

Guava fruits grown in Ayakudi of Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu, where large scale cultivation was happening, had exhibited symptoms of yellowing, shredding of leaves,drying of branches, lesser productivity and reduced vigour, a TNAU release said.

On examination of affected trees, root knot nematode was found to be the causal agent for this menace.

Further research by Department of Nemotology identified the nematode as Meloidogyne enterolobii, a species of root knot nematode so far not encountered in India, which might have spread from other countries through saplings The unseen hidden enemies of root knot nematode associated with guava are capable of killing the trees outright within three months after the onset of symptoms.

Therefore, the guava growers are requested to avoid nematode affected saplings, removal and destroying of nematode affected trees, applying farm yard manure at 100 kg, neem cake at 250g and nematode egg parasitic fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus at 25g and carbofuran at 60g/tree at early stage of nematode infestation to overcome the nematode problem and to enhance fruit yield, the varsity said.