Survey for Root Knot Nematode Infestation in Tomato and Presence of Paecilomyces lilacinus in Different Crops of Northern Karnataka.

Roving survey was undertaken during kharif, 2013 to assess presence of nematophagous fungi i.e. Paecilomyces lilacinus and observation recorded on incidence of root knot nematode in major tomato, chilli and brinjal growing districts of northern Karnataka viz., Dharwad, Belgavi, Bagalkot, Haveri and Gadag. Among all the districts surveyed the P. lilacinus was more prevalent in Dharwad and Bagalkot districts. Various locations had different soil and climatic conditions, crops were at different growth stages during the visit. The different crops were surveyed for prevalence of P. lilacinus and occurrence of root knot nematode. Root knot nematode severity wasmore in Haveri district with more than 25% severity in three locations followed by Dharwad. Although Belagavi, Bagalkot and Gadag districts recorded root knot nematode infestation its severity was low (1 to 10%) comparedto other districts.