Evaluation of Paecilomyces lilacinus for the biological control of Rotylenchulus reniformis infecting tomato, compared with carbofuran

Abstract

The parasitic fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom.) Samson is one of the most promising and practicable biological control agents for the management of plant parasitic nematodes. The organism adapts to diverse environmental conditions and is compatible with many fungicides and nematicides (Villanueva and Davide, 1983). Its effectiveness in managing Meloidogyne (J atala et al., 1980), Globodera (Franco et al., 1981), Tylenchulus (Herrera et al., 1985) and Nacobbus (de Sisler et al., 1985) species affecting important crops has been determined. No work has so far been undertaken to evaluate its efficacy for the control of the reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford et Oliveira. Hence, the present glasshouse studies were undertaken to evaluate P. lilacinus for the biological control of R. reniformis infecting tomato, as compared with carbofuran.