Effect of different bioformulations of Paecilomyces lilacinus against root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) infecting tomato (Solanum esculentum)

Abstract

Biocontrol potential of the parasitic fungus Paecilomyces lilacinus (Pl-181) strain was isolated from the egg masses of the nematode affected tomato (Solanum esculentum L.; syn Lycopersium esculentum Mill.) crops was evaluated for the management of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita Chitwood). The fungal isolate grown on starch rich grains was tested for an ideal formulation with different natural and synthetic inert carrier material. Keeping in view the parameters like colony count, shelf-life coupled with easy dispersibility out of Attapulgite-based clay dust powder + peat powder, heavy loam soil powder + peat powder, talc fine powder + peat powder, kaolin light powder + peat powder, boric acid powder + peat powder, bentonite powder + peat powder and Paecilomyces lilacinus + alone were tried separately. Attapulgite-based clay dust powder + peat powder + Acacia gum powder showed best performance in respect to all the three parameters and also suppressed M. incognita population to a greater extent.