Effect of biological nematicides and the rootstock on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) production in Ecuador

The nematodes are the important pests for watermelon and among them Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid y White) Chitwood and Rotylenchullus reniformis Linford and Oliveira. The use of rootstock is a power tool to control soil borne diseases like nematodes, and this research had as main objective to evaluate the effect of several bionematocides and chemicals in a randomized block design with three replications. The watermelon hybrid Royal Charleston grafted on RS-841 (Cucurbita maxima x Cucurbita moshata), was planted. The dosages employed were the recommend by the fabricant and were applied to soil in two moments, at transplant and 20 days after. The galling index (AI), the reproduction factor (FR) and reproductive index (IR) were determined 45 days after transplantation and after the first harvest (65 d). The evaluation consisted in determine agronomicals parameters and fruit quality. The results showed that applied nematicides no controlling M. incognita nor R. reniformis before 45 days after transplantation, but the grafted plants with high gall levels because the important development and vigor of the plant, allow to obtain satisfactory commercial yield