Compatibility of Predatory Nematode, Fictor composticola and Bacterial Parasite, Pasteuria penetrans for the Management of Root-Knot Nematode

Compatibility of Fictor composticola and Pasteuria penetrans was evaluated through two experiments against Meloidogyne incognita. In vitro assay conducted in 5 cm diameter Petri plates containing 1% water agar. Two males and two females of F. composticola were released alongwith 200 P. penetrans encumbered or healthy J(2) of M. incognita. Observations on prey consumed were taken after 24 and 48 h of release. P. penetrans-encumbered J(2) were consumed more by the predator than healthy J(2). In a pot assay, cucumber plants grown in one kg pots were inoculated with 2000 P. penetrans encumbered or healthy J(2) of M. incognita and 400 individuals of F. composticola. After 45 days; numbers of galls, egg masses and final J(2) population in soil were significantly less in the treatment with F. composticola + P. penetrans-encumbered J(2) than F. composticola with healthy J(2). The root galls and the number of Pasteuria-infected females were more in the absence of predatory nematode.

Automated summary

The compatibility of Fictor composticola and Pasteuria penetrans in controlling Meloidogyne incognita was tested in two experiments. Results showed that the combination of F. composticola with P. penetrans-encumbered J(2) significantly reduced the number of galls and the population of J(2) in the soil. The presence of the predatory nematode led to fewer root galls and a higher number of Pasteuria-infected females.