Biological Control of Root knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita Using Nematode Antagonist in Tomato

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the world's largest vegetable crop after potato and sweet potato. Root knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita, pose a significant threat to tomato crops worldwide. To combat this nematode pest, biological control methods have been developed to reduce the reliance on chemical nematicide and promote sustainable agriculture practices. The antagonistic fungi/ bacteria can colonize the root zone and produce enzymes that have nematicidal properties. These methods of control not only protect the tomato crop but also promote the overall health and resilience of the agro eco system. Highest reduction of root knot nematode adult females (73.2 per cent), egg masses (81.4 per cent) and eggs (63.5 per cent) and nematode population in soil (65.5 per cent) were occurred with the application of P. lilacinum as soil application among all the treatments. The lowest gall index (1.0) was recorded in case of soil application of P. lilacinum followed by seed treatment (1.42) of the same whereas it was on bar (2.13) with each other while applying seed treatment and soil application of T. asperellum.