Alternatives to chemical nematicides for the control of Meloidogyne incognita infesting beans

Abstract

Studies were carried out to assess the effect of crystallized and brown sugars, elephant-grass cv. Cameroon, filter cake, sugarcane juice and Pinus elliottii sawdust for the control of Meloidogyne incognita infesting the bean (Phaseolus vlllgaris) cv. Carioquinha. Observations were made on their effect on nematode natural enemies, such as yeasts, actinomycetes, sporulating bacteria and cellulolytic and phosphate solubilizing fungi. Filter cake (30,000 kg/10 m2 ) and P. elliottii (10,000 kg/lO m2) were the best treatments for the control of M. incognita population. The sawdust soil cover resulted in greater yield weight averages and in healthier root systems. The soil amendments influenced soil microflora and soil chemical properties in the field.