Investigation on potential of different bio-agents as soil application against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita infecting tomato

Abstract

Anexperiment trial was conducted during 2018-19 for the management of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita through bio-agents as soil application on tomato in micro plots. Micro-plot was filled with root-knot nematode infested soil (520 IJs/100 cc soil) brought from the pure culture field. Bio-agents viz., Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens were added to soil @ 2.5 and 5.0 g per m2. Standard check (Trichoderma viride @ 2.5 kg/ha) and control were also maintained for comparison. Results of bio-agent and dose interaction have indicated that P. lilacinum @ 5.0 g per m2 was found best followed by P. fluorescens @ 5.0 g per m2 and T. harzianum @ 5.0 g per m2. However, T. viride 2.5 kg/ha was found superior in respect to plant yield and reducing nematode reproduction on tomato in comparison to all other treatments.