Fungus Paecilomyces Lilacinus Research Articles

Catalytic function of a newly purified exo-β-d-glucosaminidase from the entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus

An entomopathogenic fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus, was found to grow on chitosanase-detecting plates. Besides an endo-chitosanase, an exo-β-d-glucosaminidase was purified by cation-exchange chromatography from this microorganism cultivated in M9 minimal media containing 0.5% chitosan as the sole carbon source. The molecular weight of the enzyme is 95kDa; the optimum pH and temperature for activity are 6.0 and 45°C, respectively. The purified exo-β-d-GlcNase promotes the hydrolysis of 95% deacetylated chitosan from its non-reducing end and liberates 2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucopyranose (GlcN) as the sole product; however, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-glucopyranose (GlcNAc) was not detected when chitin was used as the substrate. The cleavage pattern confirmed using real-time mass spectrometry shows that exo-β-d-glucosaminidase cleaves the glycosidic bonds between GlcN–GlcN and GlcN–GlcNAc but not between GlcNAc–GlcN or GlcNAc–GlcNAc. In the presence of a 10% solution of various alcohols, many alkyl-β-d-glucosaminides were obtained, indicating that exo-β-d-glucosaminidase is a retaining enzyme.

Modifying orchard planting sites conserves entomopathogenic nematodes, reduces weevil herbivory and increases citrus tree growth, survival and fruit yield

In Florida, a root weevil pest of citrus, Diaprepes abbreviatus, is more damaging and attains higher population density in some orchards on fine textured, poorly drained “flatwoods” soils than in those on the deep, coarse sandy soils of the central ridge. Previous research revealed that sentinel weevil larvae were killed by indigenous entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) at significantly higher rates in an orchard on the central ridge, compared to one in the flatwoods. We hypothesized that filling tree planting holes in a flatwoods orchard with sandy soil from the central ridge would provide a more suitable habitat for EPNs, thereby reducing weevil numbers and root herbivory. Fifty trees were planted in oversized planting holes filled with coarse sand and 50 trees were planted in native soil in a split plot design where whole plots were species of introduced EPNs and split plots were soil type. Each of Steinernema diaprepesi, Steinernema riobrave, Heterorhabditis indica, Heterorhabditis zealandica, or no EPNs were introduced into the rhizospheres in 10 plots of each soil type. During four years, EPN numbers in soil samples and the relative abundance of seven species of nematophagous fungi associated with nematodes were measured three times using real-time PCR. The efficacy of EPNs against sentinel weevil larvae was also measured three times by burying caged weevils in situ. EPN species richness (P=0.001) and diversity (P=0.01) were always higher in sand than native soil. Soil type had no effect on numbers of EPNs in samples, but EPNs were detected more frequently (P=0.01) in plots of sandy soil than native soil in 2011. Two nematophagous fungi species, Paecilomyces lilacinus and Catenaria sp. were significantly more abundant in nematode samples from sandy soil on all three sampling dates. Efficacy of EPNs against weevil larvae was greater in sandy soil inoculated with S. diaprepesi (P=0.03) in June 2010 and in all treatments in sandy soil in May 2011 (P=0.03). Sixty-eight percent more adult weevils (P=0.01) were trapped emerging from native soil during two years than from sandy soil. By May 2011, the cumulative number of weevils emerging from each plot was inversely related (P=0.01) to the numbers of EPNs detected in plots and to EPN efficacy against sentinels. Three trees in sandy soil died as a result of root herbivory compared to 21 trees in native soil. Surviving trees in sandy soil had trunk diameters that were 60% larger (P=0.001) and produced 85% more fruit (P=0.001) than those in native soil. Although it is not possible to characterize all of the mechanisms by which the two soil treatments affected weevils and trees, substitution of sand for native soil was an effective means of conserving EPNs and shows promise as a cultural practice to manage D. abbreviatus in flatwoods citrus orchards with a history of weevil damage to trees.

Composition and antimicrobial activity of fatty acids detected in the hygroscopic secretion collected from the secretory setae of larvae of the biting midge Forcipomyia nigra (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

The hygroscopic secretion produced by the secretory setae of terrestrial larvae of the biting midge Forcipomyia nigra (Winnertz) was analysed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The viscous secretion is stored at the top of each seta and absorbs water from moist air. GC–MS analyses (four independent tests) showed that the secretion contained 12 free fatty acids, the most abundant of which were oleic (18:1), palmitic (16:0), palmitoleic (16:1) and linoleic (18:2). Other acids identified were valeric (5:0), enanthic (7:0), caprylic (8:0), pelargonic (9:0), capric (10:0), lauric (12:0), myristic (14:0) and stearic (18:0). Two other compounds, glycerol and pyroglutamic acid, were also found. The antibacterial activity of the fatty acids and pyroglutamic acid was tested using the agar disc diffusion method and targeted Gram positive (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram negative bacterial strains (Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens). The antifungal activity was tested by determining minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of examined compounds. Fatty acids were tested against enthomopathogenic fungi (Paecilomyces lilacinus, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, Lecanicillium lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana (Tve-N39), Beauveria bassiana (Dv-1/07)). The most effective acids against bacterial and fungal growth were C9:0, C10:0 and C16:1, whereas C14:0, C16:0, C18:0 and C18:1 demonstrated rather poor antifungal activity and did not inhibit the growth of bacteria. The antimicrobial assay investigated mixtures of fatty and pyroglutamic acids (corresponding to the results of each GC–MS test): they were found to be active against almost all the bacteria except P. fluorescens and also demonstrated certain fungistatic activity against enthomopathogenic fungi. The hygroscopic secretion facilitates cuticular respiration and plays an important role in the antimicrobial protection of F. nigra larvae living in moist terrestrial habitats.

PATHOGENICITY AND HAEMOLYMPH PROTEIN CHANGES IN EDESSA MEDITABUNDA F. (HEMIPTERA:PENTATOMIDAE) INFECTED BY PAECILOMYCES LILACINUS

ABSTRACT Adult Edessa meditabunda were found to be naturally infected by the entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus (ARSEF 10225) for the first time in Trinidad in the field and consequently laboratory experiments were conducted to determine its efficacy. Mean in vitro radial colony growth for P. lilacinus was the fastest at 200C and slowest at 350C. The LC50 for adult E. meditabunda using P. lilacinus was determined as 6.32 x 106 spores/ml. At this concentration, 50% mortality (ie.LT50) of E. meditabunda was achieved in 1.95 days. Haemolymph of adult E. meditabunda was extracted and used in the identification of proteins by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and the total protein content by the Lowry’s method. There were a total of four protein bands present in the haemolymph of control adults, all of which had molecular weights more than 138.7 kDa. There was gradual increase in the number of bands from day 1-3 post infection by P. lilacinus. Two new protein bands (104.7 kDa and 49.5 kDa) appeared on Day 3 post infection. The total haemolymph protein concentration was significantly higher in the control compared to all three days post infection.

Effects of crop plants on abundance of Pochonia chlamydosporia and other fungal parasites of root-knot and potato cyst nematodes

The effects of a host plant on reproduction/abundance of fungal populations in relation to soil nutrients released by plants in the rhizosphere were studied. Abundance in the soil and potato rhizosphere of the fungi Paecilomyces lilacinus, Monographella cucumerina (CABI 380408) and Pochonia chlamydosporia var. chlamydosporia (Pc280, potato cyst nematode biotype) and P. chlamydosporia var. catenulata (Pc392, root-knot nematode biotype) were assessed. The different ability of break crops (oilseed rape, sugarbeet and wheat) in the potato rotation to support Pa. lilacinus, Pochonia isolates Pc280 and Pc392 and abundance of the latter two isolates in soil and rhizosphere of potato plants infected with Meloidogyne incognita were also studied. Potato chits and crop seedlings were planted into boiling tubes containing 5000 chlamydospores or conidia g−1 in acid washed sand (pH 6) and kept in a growth chamber at 20°C, and 16 h of light for up to 9 weeks. The abundance of the fungi in sand (fallow) differed significantly between fungal species, being in general less abundant in the absence than in the presence of the plant, although there was no interaction between plant species and fungal isolate. There was evidence of a different response to Me. incognita for Pc392 than for Pc280 but there was no significant effect of the presence of the nematode on the rate of increase of the fungus.

IMPACT OF MICROBIAL AGENTS ON MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA MANAGEMENT AND MORPHOGENESIS OF TOMATO

ABSTRACT A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of certain microbial agents against Meloidogyne incognita infesting tomato plants (cv. super strain B). The treatments were the antagonistic bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus thuringiensis, the antagonistic fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus and mycorrhizal fungi Glomus intraradices and Glomus macrocarpium which were compared with the synthesis nematicides Oxamyl and Cadusafos. The Paecilomyces lilacinus product was the best treatment in suppressing the root-knot populations in the soil with (85.2%), followed by those with B. subtilis and B. thuringiensis with 82.6 and 80.5% reduction, respectively. Also, P. lilacinus increased the shoot length and fresh weight of the root system by 229.0% and 476.46%, respectively. The most effective treatment in reducing root galls and egg masses of the nematode was Oxamyl. Bacillus thuringiensis increased shoot weight and root length and was the most effective treatment. Glomus macrocarpium was the least effective treatment as galls and egg masses. Glomus macrocarpium produced the lowest increase in root length and B. subtilis the lowest increase in root fresh and dry weights.

Melanin pigments in the fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus (thom) samson

Melanin pigments in the fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus (thom) samson

Preliminary Evaluation of Paecilomyces lilacinus HY-4 to Control Tetranychus urticae

The virulence against the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, was evaluated with entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson HY-4 which is isolated from coleopteran insect and registered to Korean and US patents. Virulence tests were conducted with conidial suspensions (<TEX>$1.5{\times}10^6conidia/ml$</TEX>) of P. lilacinus HY-4 against T. urticae adults and positive results were recorded in laboratory conditions. The spraying device was also developed for the efficient and exact evaluation of treatment. The developed spraying device was named as SD-tower sprayer and its efficacy of spraying conidia was evaluated. The accumulated mortality caused by P. lilacinus HY-4 using SD-tower spray was about 73% at 6 days after inoculation. This suggest that the isolate P. lilacinus HY-4 may be considered as promising for a new approach to prevent adult infestations by T. urticae.

Activity of some hypocrealean fungi collected in a Cerrado ecosystem against Rhodnius spp. (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) under laboratory conditions

The hypocrealean invertebrate-pathogenic fungi Lecanicillium psalliotae, Paecilomyces lilacinus and Pochonia chlamydosporia isolated from soils in Central Brazil were tested against palm-dwelling Rhodnius neglectus, R. nasutus, R. prolixus, and R. robustus; all of these insects are vectors of Chagas disease. Particularly R. neglectus and R. nasutus, which are both important secondary intruders of human habitations were susceptible to all three of the fungi tested, and fungi sporulated successfully on the cadavers. This is the first report of activity of L. psalliotae, P. lilacinus and P. chlamydosporia against Rhodnius spp., and these fungi have interest for integrated control of triatomine vectors.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in Europe

AbstractIn Europe, root-knot nematodes are increasingly important. Out of more than 90 Meloidogyne species currently described, 23 have been found on the continent. In the cooler climates, Meloidogyne hapla, M. naasi, M. chitwoodi and M. fallax are prevalent. Meloidogyne arenaria, M. javanica and M. incognita are the most common species in warmer conditions of southern Europe, but also in glasshouses in northern Europe. Morphological identification of root-knot nematodes is difficult and time consuming; therefore, many research groups have been developing molecular techniques for identification of Meloidogyne species. Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax are quarantine organisms and subject to regulations, and the highly aggressive M. enterolobii has been added to the EPPO alert list. Differences between temperate and tropical Meloidogyne species and their prevalence in Europe imply the need for different management strategies in south and north Europe. Possible crop rotations for the control of root-knot nematodes are limited due to the wide host range of several important species. The banning of methyl bromide and restrictions on other fumigant pesticides in the EU have increased the application of biofumigation significantly in south Europe. The egg-parasitising fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus is commercialised in Germany and applied as dispersible granules for application in water. Intensive research is conducted on the egg-parasitising fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia, and the obligate parasitic bacterium Pasteuria penetrans. European research has paid much attention to resistance breeding and selection. The Mi gene of tomato is widely used but resistance-breaking populations of M. incognita and M. javanica have been reported in different countries.

Fungal spread and faecal decomposition as indicators to evaluate short term environmental impact of egg parasitic fungi Paecilomyces lilacinus and Verticillium chlamydosporium

Experiments were conducted to understand the extent of spread of Paecilomyces lilacinus and Verticillium chlamydosporium once deposited in faeces and alteration, if any, of the organic content of faeces by them, which could serve as evidences of their short-term environmental impact. Coproculture of the central part and two concentric rings of both the fungus contaminated plots were undertaken twice a week for four weeks in laboratory for the presence of P. lilacinus and V. chlamydosporium. Subcultures were done until the confirmation of desired fungus occur. Paecilomyces lilacinus could not be reisolated from the central part and two concentric rings at any point of sampling period except from the faecal sample of the central part on day 0. Verticillium chlamydosporium could be re-isolated st from the faeces deposited at the central part on day 0, 7 and 14 but never from 21 day of sampling onward. However, V. chlamydosporium could not be recovered from the faeces of two concentric rings at any point of sampling. Moisture contents decreased with corresponding increase in dry matter content of the faeces as the time progressed. Faeces mixed with P. lilacinus, V. chlamydosporium and no fungus controls behaved similarly in terms of moisture and dry th matter contents. From 60 day of deposition onwards, ash contents of faeces mixed with P. lilacinus, V. chlamydosporium and no fungus controls showed increasing trend with the corresponding decreasing trends in organic matter contents.

Effect of nematophagous fungi on reproduction of Meloidogyne enterolobii on guava (Psidium guajava) plants

AbstractThe root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii, is a major disease of guava, Psidium guajava, in Brazil and other countries. Egg-pathogenic fungi are considered potential biological control agents of root-knot nematodes and are associated with suppression of Meloidogyne spp. Glasshouse experiments were conducted in order to evaluate the effect of the fungi Paecilomyces lilacinus and Pochonia chlamydosporia on a population of M. enterolobii growing on guava plants. Guava seedlings of about 15-20 cm growing in plastic bags were inoculated with 10 000 eggs of M. enterolobii plant−1. Two months later, three isolates of P. lilacinus and one isolate of P. chlamydosporia were inoculated in the infested plants. The effect of the treatments was evaluated 6 months later. Although plant infection by nematodes was not attenuated, the number of eggs (g roots)−1 fell significantly. The number of egg masses infected with the fungi was inversely correlated with the number of eggs found in the roots. The most effective result (61.5% of control) was obtained with the isolate CG1003 of P. chlamydoporia, which was originally isolated from eggs of M. enterolobii in Brazil, followed by P. lilacinus (CG959 and CG1038) with about 40% of control. These fungi showed the ability to colonise healthy guava roots in glasshouse experiments. These results suggest that P. chlamydosporia can be selected as a potential biological control agent to be employed with other strategies in integrated management to control M. enterolobii on guava.

Detoxification and accumulation of chromium from tannery effluent and spent chrome effluent by Paecilomyces lilacinus fungi

The tannery industry process involves chromium (Cr) salts as a main constituent of the process. The Cr recovery is a part of the process where other salts are used to achieve separation and recovery for using Cr back in the process. The process steps may contain both forms of Cr [Cr(VI): hexavalent and Cr(III): trivalent]. The recovery of Cr from tannery industry effluent through biological systems is much needed. The diverse physicochemical characteristics of these effluents may limit the growth of microorganisms and hence the limitation towards possible practical application of microorganisms in real industrial effluent conditions. The present study attempted the ability of the Cr-resistant fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus [isolated through an enrichment culture technique at 25 000 mg l−1 of Cr(III)] to grow and remove Cr [Cr(VI) and Cr(III)] from two physicochemically different undiluted tannery industry effluents (tannery effluent and spent chrome effluent) in the presence of cane sugar as a carbon source. Such attempts are made keeping in view the potential integration of biological processes in the overall Cr removal and recovery processes to improve its efficiency and environmental sustainability. The fungus has broad pH tolerance range and can reduce Cr(VI) both in acidic (pH 5.5) and alkaline (pH 8.0) conditions. The fungus showed the ability to remove Cr(VI) (1.24 mg l−1) and total Cr (7.91 mg l−1) from tannery effluent below the detection level within 18 h and 36 h of incubation, respectively, and ability to accumulate 189.13 mg Cr g−1 of dry biomass within 600 h of incubation from spent chrome effluent [containing 3731.4 mg l−1 of initial Cr(III) concentration].At 200 mg l−1 of Cr(VI) in growth media, with 100% detoxification and with only 10.54% of total Cr accumulation in the biomass, P. lilacinus showed Cr(VI) reduction as a major mechanism of Cr(VI) detoxification. The time-course study revealed the log phase of the growth for the maximum specific reduction of Cr(VI) and stationary phase of the growth for its maximum specific accumulation of both the forms of Cr [Cr(III) and Cr(VI)] in its biomass. In growth media at 50 mg l−1 and 200 mg l−1 of Cr(VI), P. lilacinus showed 100% reduction within 36 h and 120 h of incubation, respectively. The high degree of positive correlation and statistically high degree of relationship (r2 = 0.941) between the fungal growth and % Cr(VI) reduction by the fungus support the role of metabolically active cellular growth in Cr(VI) reduction by the fungus. Results indicate that expanded solid (sludge) retention times (SRTs) (stationary phase) can be recommended for the removal of Cr(III) through accumulation. In case of Cr(VI), reduction needs a priority; therefore, a non-expanded SRT is recommended for designing a continuous-flow completely stirred bioreactor so that a log phase of cellular growth can be maintained during the reduction process. This study reveals the strong potential of P. lilacinus fungi for the removal of Cr from tannery effluent and spent chrome effluent.

In-vitro study of the host–parasite interactions between mouse macrophages and the opportunistic fungusPaecilomyceslilacinus

(2010). In-vitro study of the host–parasite interactions between mouse macrophages and the opportunistic fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus. Annals of Tropical Medicine & Parasitology: Vol. 104, No. 6, pp. 529-534.

Dextranase production from Paecilomyces lilacinus and its application for dextran removal from sugarcane juice

Dextranase was produced from fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus by submerged fermentation under different cultural conditions viz. pH, incubation temperature, inoculum size and days of incubation for maximum enzyme production. Maximum enzyme production was achieved at pH 6.0 of Mandel media and at temperature 30°C. Inoculum size of 1 × 107 spores/ml was found to be optimum for maximum enzyme production. Enzyme production increased with the increase in days of incubation from 3 to 5 days and then declined thereafter. Dextranase units (from 1 to 15 U/100 ml juice) were exogenously added to sugarcane juice with an aim to optimize dextranase application for removal of dextran from cane juice. Addition of dextranase in juice of cane variety CoS 8436, resulted in relatively less increase in dextran content as compared to control during storage. Whereas, dextran content in untreated juice increased 10 times during 24 h of storage, the increase during this period was only 2.3 times in juice treated with 15 U of dextranase. With the application of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 15 units of dextranase in 100 ml of juice, dextran content was decreased by 15.51, 30.82, 50.20, 68.20 and 73.30 % as compared to the control (with no dextranase added) after 24 h of storage. This study finds application in minimizing the dextran problem in sugar industry.

Effects of antagonistic fungi, wastes materials and urea on the populations ofMeloidogyne incognitaand growth of tomato

Effects of three antagonistic fungi ( Paecilomyces lilacinus, Pochonia chlamydosporia , and Trichoderma harzianum ) alone and together with wastes materials (saw dust and neem leaf litter) and urea were studied on the growth of tomato and on the reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita in glass house experiments. Individually neem leaf litter was better in improving growth of plants without nematodes compared with any other single treatment. However, use of P. lilacinus against plants with M. incognita caused higher increase in plant growth than caused by P. chlamydosporia / T. harzianum or urea but similar to that caused by neem leaf litter or saw dust. Maximum increase in the growth of nematode inoculated plants was observed when P. lilacinus was used with neem leaf litter. P. lilacinus caused higher reduction in galling and nematode multiplication followed by P. chlamydosporia , neem leaf litter, urea, T. harzianum and saw dust. Maximum reduction in galling and nematode multiplication was observed when P. lilacinus was used with neem leaf litter.

Fungus–benzimidazole interactions: a prerequisite to deploying egg-parasitic fungi Paecilomyces lilacinus and Verticillium chlamydosporium as biocontrol agents against fascioliasis and amphistomiasis in ruminant livestock

In vitro trials investigating the effects of albendazole and triclabendazole anthelmintics on the growth profiles of the egg-parasitic fungi Paecilomyces lilacinus and Verticillium chlamydosporium were undertaken. In addition, in vivo trials were conducted in goats fed on millet grain cultures of each fungus and administered albendazole and triclabendazole anthelmintics. In vitro growth revealed V. chlamydosporium to be more sensitive to albendazole compared to P. lilacinus. In contrast, triclabendazole had the least inhibitory effect on in vitro growth of both P. lilacinus and V. chlamydosporium. Similar to albendazole, growth of P. lilacinus was more vigorous at 0.5 ppm concentration of triclabendazole. Efforts to re-isolate these egg-parasitic fungi from faeces of goats fed on fungal millet grain cultures before and following single intraruminal administration of albendazole and triclabendazole showed that P. lilacinus was not able to be re-isolated from the faeces at any sampling period. In contrast, V. chlamydosporium was able to be re-isolated from the faeces at all of the sampling periods except for the samples taken at 8-18 h and 18-24 h after administration of albendazole and triclabendazole, respectively. Lack of fungal activity at these times coincided with peak plasma availability of anthelmintics and suggests faecal levels of drugs were also high at these times and impacted negatively on fungal viability.

ChemInform Abstract: α‐Pyrones and Yellow Pigments from the Sponge‐Derived Fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus

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α-Pyrones and Yellow Pigments from the Sponge-Derived Fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus

New α-pyrones (1 and 2) and cyclohexenones (13 and 14) were isolated along with known analogues (3,5-12) from the ethyl acetate extract of the whole broth of the fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus, a strain derived from a marine sponge Petrosia sp. Their structures were established by interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR, and FABMS data. It is interesting to isolate cyclohexenone derivatives from the genus Paecilomyces (family Trichocomaceae, order Eurotiales), since these cyclohexenones were previously reported only from far distinct genera, Phoma and Alternaria (family Pleosporaceae, order Pleosporales). Compounds 6, 7, and 9 were evaluated for cytotoxicity against a small panel of human solid tumor cell lines. Their cytotoxicity was insignificant upto a concentration of 30 μg/mL.

Effects of antagonistic fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on growth of tomato and reproduction of the root-knot nematode,Meloidogyne incognita

The effects of antagonistic fungi (Paecilomyces lilacinus, Pochonia chlamydosporia and Trichoderma harzianum) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), namely Bacillus subtilis, Paenibacillus polymyxa and Burkholderia cepacia, were studied alone and in combination in glasshouse experiments on the growth of tomato and on the reproduction of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Application of antagonistic fungi and PGPR caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in tomato growth (based on shoot dry weight) both with and without nematodes. P. lilacinus was more effective in reducing galling and improving the growth of nematode-inoculated plants than T. harzianum, while P. polymyxa was more effective than B. subtilis. The greatest increase in growth of nematode-inoculated plants and reduction in nematode galling was observed when P. polymyxa was used with P. lilacinus or P. chlamydosporia. P. lilacinus parasitised more females and eggs than the other fungi tested. Root colonisation by P. polymyxa was high when used alone but reduced in the presence of antagonistic fungi.