Eradication of Corn Cyst Nematode (Heterodera zeae) from Vetiver Germplasm for its Safe Exchange

Abstract

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides L.), popularly known as Khas is a tall perennial grass cultivated in several parts of North and South India. Its spongy, much branched fine rootlets contain fragrant oil, which is in great demand by the perfumery industry. The dried aromatic roots are also used to make curtains and mats for desert air coolers. The roots emit scented aroma along with the cool air when moistened. Due to these qualities vetiver is in great demand and exported to several countries in the form of rooted cuttings (saplings) for cultivation. It has been reported to be a good host of Heterodera zeae (Arjun Lal and Mathur, 1982). Because of this, there hadbeen persistent problemin exchanging "nematode free" planting material.