Investigations on plant parasitic nematodes in Assam Agricultural University were initiated in 1970 in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology. Dr.A.K.Roy was the pioneer worker who reported the occurrence of ufra nematode Ditrylenchus angustus and rice root knot nematode Meloidogyne graminicola in the state. In 1977, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute developed a project entitled “All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Nematode pests of crops and their Control” which was initially funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Govt of India for a period of two years. Out of ten centres in 1977, the Assam Agricultural University was selected as one of the centres with the position of one Nematologist, two Junior Nematologists, one Fieldman and one Laboratory Attendent. Subsequently, in 1979 the project was taken over by the ICAR for funding and continued under 6th Five Year plan. Dr.P.N.Phukan, after completion of his Ph.D.in Nematode Taxonomy from IARI joined in the Project as the Principal Investigator in 1979. The ICAR had changed the title of the project to-“ All India Co-ordinated Research Project with Integrated Approach for their Control” in 1987 and continuing till date.
· Avoidable loss due to Meloidogyne graminicolain rice is 16.52 -20.60 %
· Avoidable loss due to Hirschmanniella oryzae in rice is 10.23 - 13.08%
· Random survey was conducted in twelve districts of Assam for occurrence of Meloidogyne graminicola and Hirschmanniella oryzae.
Shillongoni (26021.942ʹ; 092038.447ʹ), Kuruabahi (26018.603ʹ; 092036.868ʹ), Bhalukamari (26017.173ʹ; 092033.054ʹ) Burhapahar (26.572032, 93.143783), Lanka (25.926938;92.955365 & 25.928298; 92.957468), Bechamari (26.407948; 92.47003)of Nagaon district; Areajhar (26015.291ʹ; 090024.133ʹ), Andutzar (26025.112ʹ; 090025.262ʹ), Kajaikata (26011.134ʹ; 90010.478ʹ) of Dhuburi district; Nayagaon (26010.284ʹ; 90011.04211) of Bongaigaon district wewre recorded as hot spot area for M. graminicola.
· Four deep water rice growing districts of Assam were surveyed during 2012-22 for occurrence of ufra disease
· Random survey was conducted in eleven districts of Assam for occurrence of Meloidogyne incognita in vegetable crops.
Random survey was conducted in three pulse growing districts of Assam for the occurrence of Meloidogyne incognita.
· Random survey was conducted in five Jute growing districts of Assam.
· Random survey was conducted in eleven districts of Assam for the occurrence of plant parasitic nematodes in fruit crops (banana, citrus, guava, papaya).
· Major plant parasitic nematodes recorded around the rhizosphere of different fruit crops were: Meloidogyne incognita, Helicotylenchusdihystera, Hoplolaimus indicus, Tylenchorhynchusleviterminalis, Macroposthoniaspp.