Potential of Native Pseudomonas Isolates for the Biocontrol of Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood in Tomato

Antagonistic effect of native Pseudomonas isolates was assessed in vitro against Meloidogyne incognita in terms of juvenile mortality. Potential isolates from in vitro study were further tested in tomato (cv. PKM-1) under pot culture and open field conditions to determine the ability of isolates to inhibit gall formation and nematode egg hatching. Out of 21 native Pseudomonas isolates tested, Pfb9 isolate resulted in highest in vitro mortality of M. incognita juveniles. This isolate, when evaluated against M. incognita in tomato under pot culture and open field conditions, was recorded to reduce nematode population both in soil and root as well as improved growth characteristics of tomato.