Evaluation of Rhizospheric-Pseudomonas spp. for the management of Meloidogyne incognita in tomato

Root knot nematodes are commercially important plant parasites of many vegetable crops in Pakistan. This study investigate antagonistic effect of Pseudomonas spp. against M. incognita on tomato crop. Ten tomato cultivars were screened against RKN infection. Roma was found the most resistant against infection of M. incognita while money maker was found the most susceptible. Gall or egg mass number/indices are more resistant to RKN. Pseudomonas strains inoculated in the infected tomato plants reduced galling index and also improved the growth of the plant. So, it was obvious that bio-control agents also act as PGPR by stimulating plant growth and inducing resistance through the increase of total phenolic contents and salicylic acid. Tomato cv. Roma showed the greatest increase of total phenol contents and salicylic acid exhibiting tolerance against M. incognita infestation. Tomato cv. Roma showed significantly resistant response against root-knot nematode diseases. Pseudomonas showed significant antagonistic potential against M. incognita in tomato plant.