Arthrobotrys thaumasia and A. musiformis as biocontrol agents against Meloidogyne hapla on tomato plant

Abstract

The use of nematode-trapping fungi as a biocontrol agent is an environmental-friendly step in controlling Meloidogyne hapla on plants. The aim of this study was to determine the potential of A. thaumasia and A. musiformis as biocontrol agents in reducing the attack of M. hapla on tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). The isolates were tested for their biocontrol ability against M. hapla using a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments: K+ (positive control), K-(negative control), KBF (Carbofuran), and two treatments of nematode-trapping fungi (A. thaumasia and A. musiformis). Root length, root weight, stem length, and stem weight of tomato plants were observed. The results showed that A. thaumasia and A. musiformis could reduce M. hapla in tomato plants up to 93% and 97%, respectively. Number of root-knot infections caused by M. hapla in tomato was found lower in JPN2 treatment, followed by JPN1 treatment. It was also recorded that JPN2 isolate treatment was able to produce the highest values of root length, root wet and dry weight, stem length, and stem wet and dry weight as compared to JPN1 isolate treatment.