Biological Control of Reniform Nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis in Cotton

Evaluation of various application methods of bio-agents, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Trichoderma viride and Paecilomyces lilacinus against reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis revealed that the combined application of P. fluorescens (PF1 strain) as seed treatment @10g/kg of seed (6 x 10⁸ cfu/g) + soil application in split doses @ 1,0.75, and 0.75 kg/ha at sowing, 30 and 60 days after sowing, respectively, was the most effective method in checking the reniform nematode and in significantly increasing the cotton yield. Enhanced activities of peroxidase, chitinase and indole acetic acid oxidase in plants, due to application of P. fluorescens in split doses are responsible for the reduction in the population of reniform nematode.