Evaluation of the biocontrol activity of endophytic bacteria from tomato against meloidogyne incognita

Endophytic bacteria are ubiquitous in most plant species and reside within healthy plant tissue without producing symptoms of damage. Some endophytic bacteria have shown potential to improve plant growth and reduce disease symptoms caused by several plant pathogens. Little information is available regarding the effect of endophytic bacteria on plant parasitic nematodes. The objectives of this study were to evaluate and characterize the biocontrol activity of endophytic bacteria isolated from and applied to tomato on gall formation caused by Meloidogyne incognita and to study the internal colonization of two selected bacterial isolates. Fifteen out of 120 endophytic bacterial isolates were repeatedly tested for their biocontrol and plant growth promoting potential using either soil drench or seed application. Four out of these 15 isolates significantly reduced numbers of M. incognita galls following soil dranch application and 6 isolates significantly reduced nematode infestation when applied as a seed treatment. In addition, several endophytic bacteria improved plant growth significantly. Colonization of tomato roots by endophytic bacteria consistently colonize the internal plant tissue of their host and have biocontrol and plant growth promoting potential.