Potential of certain bacterial strains as root - knot nematode biocontrol agents [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Five bacterial strains i.e. Bacillus subtilis, B. megatherium, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas spp. and Streptomyces spp. were tested as biological control agents against root - knot nematode Meloidqggne javanica infecting sunflower plant under green house conditions. Their potential effect on development and reproduction of M. javanica was evaluated. Results indicated that most of the bacterial strains tested significantly reduced numbers of galls, developmental stages, egg masses in roots, and second stage juveniles (J2) in soil. Consequently, nematode rate of reproduction decreased. The degree of nematode suppression was proportional to inoculum size of the bacterial culture added to the pots, and was more pronounced when bacterial treatment was applied one week prior to nematode infection. Moreover, application of bacterial inoculants improved the growth of sunflower plants regardless to type or inoculum size.

Summary in Arabic.

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