Application of Paecilomyces lilacinus to suppress the Meloidogyne incognita and promote the growth of some selected vegetables
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Meloidogyne incognita , also known as the root-knot nematode, is a plant-parasite that negatively impacts both the yield and quality of vegetables. The nematophagous fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum , is widely regarded as a highly effective biocontrol agent (BCA) for M . incognita . To investigate the nematocidal efficacy of cultured P . lilacinum against eggs and second-stage juveniles of M . incognita at different application time, this investigation was carried out under invitro condition at the Department of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The experiment was conducted in a complete randomized design with three replications. We used BC = blank control (Without any inoculation); M P = inoculation of M. incognita at planting (Negative control); PL P = application of P. lilacinus at planting; PL P + M P = application of P. lilacinus and inoculation of M. incognita simultaneously at planting; M P PL 7DAP = inoculation of M. incognita at planting and P. lilacinus at 7 days after planting; PL P M 7DAP = application of P. lilacinus at planting and M. incognita at 7 days after planting; PL 7DBP M P = application of P. lilacinus at 7 days before planting and inoculation of M. incognita at planting as the treatments of the experiment. The results of the study revealed that P . lilacinum effectively reduced the survival rates of M . incognita eggs and juveniles depending on the different application time. Microscopic examination displayed that the fungi directly invaded the eggs and juveniles, demonstrating its parasitic nature against M . incognita . We also found that P . lilacinum effectively suppressed nematode populations and reduced the incidence of root galls in all the studied vegetables. Besides, P . lilacinum significantly stimulated plant growth metrics and biomass production, even in the presence of nematodes. The application of P . lilacinus at planting (PL P ) or co-inoculation of P . lilacinus with M . incognita (PL P + M P ) significantly controlled nematode populations and enhanced plant growth. Our study concludes that P. lilacinum is an effective biocontrol agent against RKN ( M . incognita ) and promotes vegetable growth.
Source: Discover Agriculture
Authors: A. I. Mitu, F. M. Aminuzzaman, T. Kibria, J. Shammi, A. A. Faria, Md. Omar Kayess
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,340
OpenAlex ID: W4414158196