Integrating Mulberry Nematode Ecology and Soil Health in NEP 2020 Towards safeguarding the silk heritage of Manipur
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Loukrakpam Bina Chanu and N Mohilal Meitei
Contd from previous issue
Findings: Neem cake shows the highest efficacy in reducing Meloidogyne and Hoplolaimus populations.
Impact: Treated plots exhibited improved root health, increased leaf yield, and reduced gall formation compared to untreated controls.
2. Use of Biocontrol Agents : Agents Studied : Paecilomyces lilacinus, Trichoderma harzianum, and Pseudomonas fluorescens.
Findings: P. lilacinus significantly reduces egg masses and juvenile popu-lations of root-knot nema- todes. T. harzianum enhances plant vigor and suppresses lesion nematodes. P. fluorescens improve plant resistance and reduces nematode penetration.
Conclusion: These agents show synergistic effects when applied in combination with organic amend- ments.
3. Botanical Extracts and Plant-Based Treatments
Extracts Tested: Garlic, marigold, and castor leaf extracts.
Results: Garlic extract exhibits strong nematicidal activity, reducing juvenile emergence and egg viability. Marigold and castor extracts show moderate suppression of nematode populations.
Application: Foliar sprays and soil drenches are effective in reducing nematode load and improving plant growth
4. Crop Rotation and Intercropping
Approach: Intercropping mulberry with marigold and using crop rotation with non-host crops.
Findings: Marigold intercropping reduces nematode buildup in soil due to its allelopathic compounds.
Benefits: Enhance soil biodiversity and reduce dependency on chemical nematicides.
5. Integrated Biomanage-ment Strategy
Integrated Approach: Combining neem cake, P. lilacinus, and marigold intercropping.
Outcome: This holistic method results in the highest reduction in nematode populations, improving mulberry biomass, and increasing leaf yield.
Recommendation: Adoption of integrated bio- management practices for sustainable sericulture in Manipur.
These findings emphasize the potential of biological and organic methods in managing nematode infestations without harming the environment. The study advocates farmer training programs and field-level implementation of these strategies to ensure long-term soil health and productivity in mulberry cultivation. This research offers a rich opportunity to connect real-world agricultural practices with educa- tion. By integrating nematology into biology and environmental science curricula, students can learn about soil ecosystems, plant pathology, and sustainable farming practices. Field-based learning and lab experiments can make science tangible and relevant. The battle against parasitic nematodes is not just a scientific challenge—it’s a call to rethink how we protect our crops and educate future generations. As mulberry plants struggle beneath the surface, it’s time we dig deeper into the soil—and into our understanding—to safeguard the future of silk and sustainable agriculture. Manipur’s rich silk heritage—especially its unique mulberry sericulture—is not only a cultural treasure but also a vital economic activity for rural communities. However, this heritage faces biological threats, notably from plant-parasitic nematodes, which compromise mulberry health and silk yield. The findings of the study on nematode species and their impact offers critical insights that can empower local farmers, students, and policymakers.
The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes : Contextualized, local know-ledge systems; Experiential and vocational learning; Integration of traditional knowledge with modern science and Multi- disciplinary and research-based education. The impact of soil and plant parasitic nematodes and Manipur’s silk ecosystem align with these goals in the following ways: 1. Preserving and Promoting Indigenous Knowledge-Silk weaving and sericulture are integral to Manipur’s identity. Including them in the curriculum fosters cultural pride and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Such research adds scientific depth to this traditional practice, showing how modern nematology can protect and enhance age-old livelihoods.
2. Promoting Research and Inquiry-Based Learning : Such research on the soil micro-organisms can serve as a model for field-based research in School and College curricula.
(To be contd)
Contd from previous issue
Findings: Neem cake shows the highest efficacy in reducing Meloidogyne and Hoplolaimus populations.
Impact: Treated plots exhibited improved root health, increased leaf yield, and reduced gall formation compared to untreated controls.
2. Use of Biocontrol Agents : Agents Studied : Paecilomyces lilacinus, Trichoderma harzianum, and Pseudomonas fluorescens.
Findings: P. lilacinus significantly reduces egg masses and juvenile popu-lations of root-knot nema- todes. T. harzianum enhances plant vigor and suppresses lesion nematodes. P. fluorescens improve plant resistance and reduces nematode penetration.
Conclusion: These agents show synergistic effects when applied in combination with organic amend- ments.
3. Botanical Extracts and Plant-Based Treatments
Extracts Tested: Garlic, marigold, and castor leaf extracts.
Results: Garlic extract exhibits strong nematicidal activity, reducing juvenile emergence and egg viability. Marigold and castor extracts show moderate suppression of nematode populations.
Application: Foliar sprays and soil drenches are effective in reducing nematode load and improving plant growth
4. Crop Rotation and Intercropping
Approach: Intercropping mulberry with marigold and using crop rotation with non-host crops.
Findings: Marigold intercropping reduces nematode buildup in soil due to its allelopathic compounds.
Benefits: Enhance soil biodiversity and reduce dependency on chemical nematicides.
5. Integrated Biomanage-ment Strategy
Integrated Approach: Combining neem cake, P. lilacinus, and marigold intercropping.
Outcome: This holistic method results in the highest reduction in nematode populations, improving mulberry biomass, and increasing leaf yield.
Recommendation: Adoption of integrated bio- management practices for sustainable sericulture in Manipur.
These findings emphasize the potential of biological and organic methods in managing nematode infestations without harming the environment. The study advocates farmer training programs and field-level implementation of these strategies to ensure long-term soil health and productivity in mulberry cultivation. This research offers a rich opportunity to connect real-world agricultural practices with educa- tion. By integrating nematology into biology and environmental science curricula, students can learn about soil ecosystems, plant pathology, and sustainable farming practices. Field-based learning and lab experiments can make science tangible and relevant. The battle against parasitic nematodes is not just a scientific challenge—it’s a call to rethink how we protect our crops and educate future generations. As mulberry plants struggle beneath the surface, it’s time we dig deeper into the soil—and into our understanding—to safeguard the future of silk and sustainable agriculture. Manipur’s rich silk heritage—especially its unique mulberry sericulture—is not only a cultural treasure but also a vital economic activity for rural communities. However, this heritage faces biological threats, notably from plant-parasitic nematodes, which compromise mulberry health and silk yield. The findings of the study on nematode species and their impact offers critical insights that can empower local farmers, students, and policymakers.
The National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes : Contextualized, local know-ledge systems; Experiential and vocational learning; Integration of traditional knowledge with modern science and Multi- disciplinary and research-based education. The impact of soil and plant parasitic nematodes and Manipur’s silk ecosystem align with these goals in the following ways: 1. Preserving and Promoting Indigenous Knowledge-Silk weaving and sericulture are integral to Manipur’s identity. Including them in the curriculum fosters cultural pride and intergenerational knowledge transfer. Such research adds scientific depth to this traditional practice, showing how modern nematology can protect and enhance age-old livelihoods.
2. Promoting Research and Inquiry-Based Learning : Such research on the soil micro-organisms can serve as a model for field-based research in School and College curricula.
(To be contd)