The Battle Against Molya Nematode: Comprehensive Management Strategies

Attention farmers! Have you encountered Molya nematode infestations in your wheat crops? If yes, then this article is tailored specifically to provide you with valuable insights and knowledge about these troublesome organisms. Keep exploring this article to deepen your knowledge about molya nematode and learn practical ways to manage this nematode effectively. 

Molya nematode refers to a specific nematode species called “Heterodera avenae”, commonly known as the cereal cyst nematode. This nematode is a significant pest that affects wheat and other cereal crops. It is a microscopic worm that infects the roots of wheat plants, causing considerable damage. It forms cysts or protective structures around itself as it feeds on the root tissue. This feeding activity leads to stunted growth and reduced yield of wheat plants. In this article, we will discuss different management strategies to control wheat molya nematode.  

Type of Infestation

Molya nematode infestation can cause stunted growth of wheat plants and severe infestation can hinder the seedling emergence, leading to poor harvests. 

Scientific Name: Heterodera avenae 

Most Affected States

Wheat Molya Nematode is known to be widespread in the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi.  

Symptoms of Wheat Molya Nematode

• Plants affected by the wheat molya nematode exhibit stunted growth and appear unhealthy, with a shriveled appearance.
• The presence of nematodes prompts the development of branched rootlets.
• The main root remains short and may form small galls.
• In case of severe infestations, seedlings may struggle to emerge from the soil.
• The plants that manage to survive early damage produce short stalks and ears, resulting in a diminished harvest.

Control Measures

The management of molya/cyst nematodes on wheat plants can be achieved through an integrated approach that includes cultural, biological and chemical measures. 

Wheat Molya Nematode Cultural Measures

• Follow crop rotation with non-host crops such as gram, mustard, cumin, carrots, onion etc. for at least 3 years.
• Cultivate cyst nematode resistant wheat variety i.e., Raj MR-1.
• Practice deep ploughing two to three times during summer.

Biological Measures

• Amruth Agri Nematode is a biological fungicide based on the selective strains of naturally occurring entomo pathogenic fungus Paecilomycis lilacinus. The spore of this fungus helps in parasitizing and killing the eggs and adults of cyst nematodes. The recommended dosage is 2 ml per liter of water.
• Multiplex Safe Root Bio Nematicide contains the spores of Paecilomycis lilacinus and Trichoderma harzianum, which is highly effective in controlling all types of plant parasitic nematodes. For better results, mix 2 kg of multiplex safe root with 100 kg of well decomposed compost and broadcast on one acre.

Chemical Measures

• Apply Furadan Insecticide, which contains carbofuran 3G granules on the soil at the rate of 20 kg per acre in case of severe infestation.

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