IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-6-3-10420 Original Research Paper OCCURRENCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ROOT –KNOT NEMATODE AND FEW FUNGAL PATHOGENS FROM PATCHOULI GROWING AREAS OF ASSAM Buragohain Dr. Barnali Mahanta Dr. March 2017 6 3 01 02 ABSTRACT

 Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is an important aromatic plant belonging to family Lamiaceae. This crop is in high demand for its essential oil. Root–knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is reported to be the most important pest of patchouli in North East India. Along with root–knot, wilts causing fungal pathogens are also involve in causing huge loss in foliage production. Survey on occurrence and distribution of root knot nematode in patchouli from different districts of Assam reveals the presence of root–knot nematode in almost all patchouli growing areas. Maximum frequency of 38.88 per cent   occurence was recorded in Nagaon district, whereas minimum frequency of 21.87 per cent was recorded from Golaghat district. Three fungal pathogens were found to be associated with root–knot infested plants viz., Fusarium oxisporum, Rhizoctonia solani and Cercospora sp. Both nematode and fungus together, were found to aggravate the disease condition of the plants.