Biocontrol of Meloidogyne sp. on Tomato Plants by Selected Bacillus spp

Abstract

Meloidogyne spp., are recognize as the most economically important worldwide. It is difficult to control Meloidogyne spp., because they have wide range of hosts. Due to the high toxicity of chemical nematicides, it is necessary to develop new control strategies. Our previous research showed that some Bacillus spp. effective as biocontrol agents of plant pests and diseases. They have multifunction, such as plant growth promoter, phosphate dissolving bacteria, etc. The aim of this research was to obtain the selected Bacillus spp. to control Meloidogyne spp., to enhance growth and yield of tomato. The treatments were 8 strains of Bacillus spp., Carbofuran, Meloidogyne spp. inoculated tomato and control. The Bacillus spp. have inoculated as seed treatment and seedling treatment before transplanting. The Meloidogyne spp. have inoculated on 4 weeks tomato plants. The parameters were disease development, multiplication of Meloidogyne spp., growth and yield of tomato. The results showed that Bacillus spp. reduced the number of galls, egg masses, eggs per egg mass and nematode per 300 g soil compared to the inoculated control, but the nematicide treatments was more effective to control Meloidogyne spp. Conversely, three strains of Bacillus spp. showed to enhance the growth and yield of tomato than Carbofuran.