Unraveling a novel strategy on mass multiplication of Pasteuria penetrans against Meloidogyne incognita on tomato, potato, and tuberose

Root-knot nematodes, belonging to the genus Meloidogyne, pose a significant threat to various crops globally by feeding on their roots and inducing the formation of characteristic galls. Managing these nematodes is challenging and typically involves integrated approaches such as cultural practices, crop rotation, and resistant varieties.One promising biological control agent is Pasteuria penetrans, known for its efficacy against root-knot nematodes. However, its mass production faces challenges due to its complex life cycle and specific growth requirements. This study aims to culture and multiply P. penetrans using innovative in vitro methods. Methods involved isolating P. penetrans spores from soil samples containing infected nematodes, culturing them in nematode hosts, and exploring mass production techniques using root organ culturing, and in vitro methods. Results showed successful multiplication of P. penetrans in tomato roots and tubers under controlled conditions by highlighting the potential for scalable production. This study demonstrates the feasibility of mass-producing P. penetrans using in vitro techniques, offering promising avenues for sustainable nematode management in agriculture. Further research into optimizing production protocols and assessing efficacy against host plants is warranted with the potential for widespread commercial application.