The Effects of Predatory Nematodes On Populations of Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Pots

Prionchulus punctatus, obtained from laboratory cultures, were inoculated into pots containing Helicotylenchus dihystera, Hemicycliophora typica and other nematode species. In a second experiment combinations of P. punctatus, Mononchus aquaticus and Labronema sp. were inoculated into pots containing Meloidogyne incognita. These introductions had an inconclusive effect on the ectoparasitic species, but a significant influence on the M. incognita-induced galling. The potential of predatory nematodes as control agents of plant parasitic nematodes is discussed.