INFLUENCE OF PAECILOMYCES LILACINUS STRAIN 251 ON THE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF THE BURROWING NEMATODE RADOPHOLUS SIMILIS IN BANANA

Mendoza A. R., R. A. Sikora, and S. Kiewnick. 2007. Influence of Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 on the biological control of the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis in banana. Nematropica 37:203-213. The efficacy of the bionematicide Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (Bioactr WG) toward the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis in banana was determined. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate application form and dose response on nematode penetration in banana plants. The potential of multiple applications to enhance the efficacy of the fungus was also examined. A significant correlation between dosage and the level of R. similis suppression was detected. A concentration of 6 x 10 6 cfu of P. lilacinus/g dry soil was considered the optimum dose. The highest level of suppression was obtained with 6 x 10 6 cfu/g dry soil of P. lilacinus applied to the soil three times; 6 days before planting, at-planting, and as a plantlet drench. The results demonstrated that P. lilacinus is an effective biocontrol agent against R. similis in banana and can be an important component of integrated pest management strategies.