Evaluation of biocontrol agents against root-lesion (Pratylenchus coffeae) and root-knot (Meloidogyne incognita) nematodes infecting Banana (Musa sp.)

In vitro and greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the biocontrol potential of Fusarium wilt suppressive biocontrol agents viz., endophytic Trichoderma asperellum (Prr-2), endophytic Penicillium pinophilum (Bc-2), rhizospheric Trichoderma sp. (NRCB-3) and Bacillus flexus (Tvpr1) against root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus coffeae and root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita infecting banana (Musa sp.). Under in vitro conditions, highest mortality of both root-lesion and root-knot nematodes was recorded with cell free culture filtrates (CFCF) of B. flexus (Tvpr1) followed by T. asperellum (Prr-2) at 24 hours of exposure. More than 80% nematode mortality was achieved by CFCF of all the four isolates at 48hours of exposure and 100% nematode mortality was achieved by CFCF of all the four biocontrol isolates at 75% and 100% concentrations at 72hours of exposure. In pot experiment, all the four biocontrol isolates reduced root nematode population and improved plant growth significantly over control. Among the biocontrol isolates, B. flexus (Tvpr1) and endophytic Trichoderma asperellum (Prr-2) were found better in reducing population of rootlesion nematode (62 percent over control) and root-knot nematode (67 percent over control) respectively. The results were on par with control check (cartap hydrochloride). These biocontrol isolates may further evaluated under field conditions for the management of wilt-nematode complex in banana.