Biological control of soil-pathogenic nematodes infecting mungbean using Pseudomonas fluorescens

The addition of organic matters to soil has been explored as an alternative means of nematode control under field conditions. Several oil-seed cakes of neem (Azadirachta indica), castor (Ricinus communis), groundnut (Arachis hypogeae), linseed (Linum usitatissimum) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) were found to be highly effective in reducing the multiplication of soil-pathogenic nematodes Meloidogyne incognita, Rotylenchulus reniformis, Tylenchorhynchus brassicae, etc. The plant growth parameters such as plant weight, per cent pollen fertility, number of pods per plant, root-nodulation and chlorophyll content of mungbean increased significantly. The multiplication rate of nematodes and number of root-galls were less in the presence of Pseudomonas fluorescens as compared to its absence. Damage caused by the nematodes was further reduced when P. fluorescens was added along with the oil-seed cakes. Neem cake was found most effective in combination with P. fluorescens.