Abstract
A factorial experiment was established in a completely randomized design to verify the effect of different inoculum levels of an Iranian isolate of Trichoderma longibrachiatum separately and in combination with various concentrations of cadusafos against Meloidogyne javanica in the greenhouse. Zucchini seeds were soaked for 12 hr in five densities (0, 10(5), 10(6), 10(7), and 10(8) spores/ml suspension) of the fungus prior to planting in pots containing four concentrations of cadusafos (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg a.i./kg soil). The data were analyzed using a custom response surface regression model and the response surface curve and contour plots were drawn. Reliability of the model was examined by comparing the result of new experimental treatments with the predicted results. The optimal levels of these two variables also were calculated. The interactive effects of concentrations of Trichoderma and cadusafos were insignificant for several responses such as the total number of eggs per gram soil, the number of intact eggs per gram soil, nematode reproduction factor, and control percent. Closeness of experimental mean values with the expected values proved the validity of the model. The optimal levels of the cadusafos concentration and Trichoderma concentration that caused the best plant growth and lowest nematode reproduction were 1.7 mg a.i./kg soil and 10(8) conidia/ml suspension, respectively.
Highlights
A factorial experiment was established in a completely randomized design to verify the effect of different inoculum levels of an Iranian isolate of Trichoderma longibrachiatum separately and in combination with various concentrations of cadusafos against Meloidogyne javanica in the greenhouse
Shoot fresh and dry weights were higher for plants that had been treated with 1 or 2 mg a.i. of the nematicide per kilogram soil as a main factor than at
Root fresh and dry weights decreased; the lightest roots were from plants treated with 2 mg a.i./kg soil (Table 1)
Summary
A factorial experiment was established in a completely randomized design to verify the effect of different inoculum levels of an Iranian isolate of Trichoderma longibrachiatum separately and in combination with various concentrations of cadusafos against Meloidogyne javanica in the greenhouse. The optimal levels of the cadusafos concentration and Trichoderma concentration that caused the best plant growth and lowest nematode reproduction were 1.7 mg a.i./kg soil and 108 conidia/ml suspension, respectively. The current management method for M. javanica is the use of chemical nematicides, which can have adverse effects on the environment and human life (Moosavi and Zare, 2015). This research was designed (i) to determine the effect of different inoculum levels of an indigenous isolate of T. longibrachiatum against M. javanica on zucchini plants and (ii) to optimize the concentrations of fungus and nematicide when they are applied simultaneously for controlling M. javanica
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
