Biology and Biological Control of Heterodera Cajani Infecting Pigeonpea

Studies were undertaken for the biology of Heterodera cajani infecting Cajanus cajan. An intensive survey of pigeonpea field revealed the wide occurrence of H. cajani and which causes a serous threat to this crop. This nematode completed its life-cycle in 34 days upon pigeonpea plant. Different biocontrol fungi viz. Trichoderma harzianum, T. hamatum, T. viride, Gliocladium virens, Paecilomyces lilacinus and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria like Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, B. fermis & Bradyrhizobium japonicum were evaluated against H. cajani. Application of all these biocontrol agents alone or in combination to plants inoculated with nematode increased plant growth parameters (weight and length of shoot, root, and nodules number) and reduced nematode population. Out of all tested biocontrol agents T. harzianum, T. viride and P. fluorescens, B. subtilis were found better in management of H. cajani infecting pigeonpea.