Effects of AM fungi and organic fertilizers on the reproduction of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita and on the growth and water loss of tomato

Glasshouse experiments were conducted to assess the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Glomus mosseae and Gigaspora margarita) and organic fertilizers (cow dung, horse dung, goat dung and poultry manure) alone and in combination on the reproduction of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita and on growth and water loss of tomato. Meloidogyne incognita decreased water loss of tomato from the first week onwards after inoculation. AM fungi increased water loss of both nematode-infected and uninfected plants. Glomus mosseae was better at improving growth of tomato and reducing galling and nematode multiplication than G. margarita, but the rate of water loss was similar with both fungi. Addition of organic fertilizers improved growth of tomato, but decreased the rate of water loss. There was less galling and nematode multiplication with poultry manure, which improved tomato growth more than goat dung, while cow dung was the least effective organic fertilizer. Greatest plant growth and least nematode reproduction were observed in plants inoculated with M. incognita along with G. mosseae and poultry manure.