Biocontrol of root-knot nematodeMeloidogyne incognitaby the isolates ofBacilluson tomato

Fifteen isolates of Bacillus, isolated from the root-knot nematode suppressive soils, were used for the biocontrol of Meloidogyne incognita on tomato. Bacillus isolates B1, B4, B5 and B11 caused greater inhibitory effect on hatching of M. incognita than caused by other isolates. In addition, these isolates (B1, B4, B5 and B11) caused greater colonisation of tomato roots and also caused greater increase in the growth of tomato seedling than caused by other isolates. All the isolates of Bacillus were able to increase growth of tomato and caused reduction in galling and nematode multiplication in green house tests. Isolates B1, B4, B5 and B11 caused a greater increase in growth of tomato and higher reduction in galling and nematode multiplication than other isolates in a green house test. These isolates were also tested for hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and indole acetic acid productions. Only one isolate (B13) produced HCN out of 15 tested. On the other hand, isolates B5, B11, B4 and B1 showed greater production of IAA than the other 11 isolates tested. This study suggests that Bacillus isolates B5, B11, B4 and B1 may be used for the biocontrol of M. incognita on tomato.