Field Application of Biocontrol Agent, Pseudomonas fluorescens for the Management of Burrowing Nematode, Radopholus similis in Banana

Two Field experiments were conducted for two years to assess the efficacy of different native isolates of Pseudomonas fluorescens for management of the burrowing nematode, Rodopholus similis infesting banana. Soil application of native isolates of P. fluorescens @ 10 g/plant significantly reduced the infestation of R. similis. The native isolate PfB13 treated banana plants increased plant height, pseudostem girth, leaf area, number of leaves and fruit yield. The effectiveness of the native isolate PfB13 was comparable with that of the chemical carbofuran. A significant reduction in nematode infestation was observed in the isolate PfB13 treated banana plants compared with other isolates. The treatment PfB13 also enhanced the activity of defence enzmes responsible for induction of systemic resistance viz., peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase.