Management of Meloidogyne javanica on acid lime nursery seedlings by using formulations of Pochonia chlamydosporia and Paecilomyces lilacinus

Abstract

Bio-efficacy and compatibility of formulations of Pochonia chlamydosporia (2×106 cfu/g) and Paecilomyces lilacinus (2×106 cfu/g) on root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, infecting nursery seedlings of acid lime were evaluated. Application of 5 or 10 g of each bio-agent formulation per kg of soil significantly reduced root-galling index and the number of nematodes in the roots. The combined use of P. lilacinus and P. chlamydosporia, each at 10 g/kg, significantly reduced rhizosphere colonization and the soil propagule density of P. chlamydosporia compared to the densities achieved when the fungus was applied alone. However, the root colonization and soil propagule density of P. lilacinus were not affected when it was used at both the dosages (5 and 10 g) of P. chlamydosporia. The seedling roots were colonised by both bio-agents. These data will be useful for the development of a combined formulation of the two bio-agents.