Biological control of plant parasitic nematodes associated with capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.)

Effect of different bio pesticides (Purpureocillium lilacinum, Pochonia chlamydosporia, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis), was evaluated after examining the population density of the plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) in a farmer's field. It was observed that all the bio pesticides that were used, increased, the root length, shoot length and the fruit yield of the capsicum. The maximum shoot length, root length and fruit yield (66.47 cm, 15.62 cm, 09.92 kg respectively/plot) was observed in B.subtilis treated plots, followed by T. viride (60.65 cm, 13.86 cm, 08.88 kg/plot) treated plots. P.fluorescens, T. harzianum, P. chlamydosporia and P. lilacinum also increased the fruit yield and plant growth parameters, as compared to the untreated check. Significant reduction in PPNs population and of galls caused by root-knot nematode, was observed in all the biopesticide treated plants, as compared to the untreated check. B. subtilis, as a biocontrol agent was more effective, and resulted in significant increase in the crop yield, by reducing Meloidogyne incognita, Helicotylenchus spp. and Xiphinema basiri population.