CONTROL OF ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES AND AMELIORATION OF EGG PLANT GROWTH BY THE COMBINED USE OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS BERLINER AND NEMATICIDES

Abstract Root-knot nematodes are considered to be the most destructive plant parasitic nematodes. The use of nematicides for the control of root-knot nematodes is common practice. The use of biological control agents is, however, considered more effective and environmentally safe replacement of chemical nematicides. In the present study, three Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner isolates viz. B.t.-64, B.t.-16 and B.t.-14 were used with and without nematicides such as Carbofuran and Fertinemakil to control root knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica associated with egg plant. Nematicides were applied in soil before seedling transplantation and bacterial cell suspension was inoculated around the roots after seedling establishment. The combination of B.t. -64 and Fertinemakil was the most effective treatment in reducing root-knot nematodes and improving the Egg plant growth. It was also effective in enhancing the plant growth and reducing the root-knot nematodes infection in combination with other B.t. isolates (B.t. 16 and B.t. 14).