Biocontrol Potential of the Parasitic Fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus against the Root-knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita in Banana

Abstract

Greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the biocontrol potential of the parasitic fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thorn.) Samson, against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White 1919) Chitwood 1949 in banana. Application of P.lilacinus (multiplied in neem cake) @ 15 or 20 g/plant significantly reduced tbe root gall index, egg masses, eggs, females and soil population of the nematode. The fungus penetrated the egg masses and egg masses contained only empty eggshells. Significant increase in plant growth was observed by application of P. lilacinus. The biological control treatment was comparable with carbofuran @ 40 g/plant.