Harnessing the biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema species for the management of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L)

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) are major constraints to tomato production, causing severe yield losses worldwide. The present study evaluated the biocontrol potential of four entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) species: Steinernema carpocapsae, S glasseri, S siamkayai and S feltiae against M incognita under in vitro and pot culture conditions. In in vitro assays, all Steinernema species significantly inhibited egg hatching, with S carpocapsae and S siamkayai showing the highest suppression, comparable to carbofuran. Pot culture experiments revealed that EPN treatments significantly improved plant growth and yield attributes while reducing nematode population, gall number and gall index compared to the untreated control. Among the EPNs, S carpocapsae was the most effective, followed by S siamkayai and S feltiae. The results demonstrate the potential of Steinernema species, particularly S carpocapsae, as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical nematicides for sustainable management of root-knot nematodes in tomato.