The Activity of Nematode-Trapping Fungi Following Their Encapsulation in Alginate

Abstract

Granular formulations of Dactylella candida and Arthrobotrys dactyloides were prepared by encapsulating different quantities of fungal biomass in alginate, or by subjecting encapsulated biomass to further fermentation. Results of experiments with these formulations showed that the presence of nutrients and the quality and quantity of biomass in granules determined their level of activity against nematodes. The best formulations were those in which granules were fermented after the fungus had been encapsulated in alginate. These formulations produced a network of traps in soil which were maintained for at least 10 d and extended 5-10 mm from the granule. Experiments in microcosms showed that the number of second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne javanica recovered from soil was reduced substantially when alginate preparations of both fungi were introduced.