Unveiling the host-range distribution of Pasteuria penetrans against various root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are economically significant plant parasites causing extensive damage to various crops globally. Their sedentary endoparasitic nature, facilitated by a stylet, induces the formation of giant cells in plant roots, leading to characteristic symptoms such as galling, stunting, wilting, and reduced yield. To manage these pests, a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical methods is employed. Among biological control agents, Pasteuria penetrans, an obligate hyperparasitic bacterium, which shows effectiveness and primarily targets root-knot nematodes and exhibits specificity towards certain species or strains within the Meloidogyne genus. The conductance of a host range study is pivotal in understanding the potential efficacy and specificity of biocontrol agents against target pests. The current study aims to explore the host range of P. penetrans its effectiveness against three nematode species, Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne enterolobii. Meloidogyne graminicola tested its efficacy against various host crops. The outcome of the current study gives the successful attachment of P. penetrans against M. incognita, whereas M. enterolobii were not shown promising results and also M. graminicola was identified as a non-host for this bacterium. And also, the results of this study provide valuable insights into the applicability of P. penetrans as a biological control agent.