Field application of biocontrol agents for the management of spiral nematode, Helicotylenchus multicinctus, in banana

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted for two years to assess the efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Trichoderma viride and Glomus fasciculatum for management of the spiral nematode, Helicotylenchus multicinctus, infesting banana. Soil application of P. fluorescens at the rate of 2 g or G. fasciculatum at 25 g mixed in 3 kg pressmud (sugar factory waste)/plant significantly reduced the infestation of H. multicinctus. The treatments increased plant height, pseudostem girth, leaf area, number of leaves and fruit yield. The effectiveness of the biocontrol agents was comparable with that of carbofuran. A significant reduction in nematode infestation was observed in the combined application of P. fluorescens and pressmud up to harvest of the crop.