Screening of entomopathogenic nematodes for the management of Meloidogyne Incognita in Brinjal

Nematodes cause severe damage to economically important vegetable crops. Meloidogyne spp. an important group of nematodes that reduce both the quantity and quality of vegetables. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of Entomopathogenic nematodes for the management of Meloidogyne incognita. Effect of Entomopathogenic nematodes native and already available (Heterorhbiditis indica, H. bactereophora, Steinernema krussi and S. feltiae) was evaluated for invasion and development of M. incognita in brinjal. The results revealed that S. felti was most effective in reducing numbers of galls, females, egg masses and reproduction factor in screening experiment. Findings of this investigation may suggest that EPN can be successfully used for the management of root knot nematodes.