The Effects of Paecilomyces lilacinus on the Pathogenesis of Meloidogyne Javanica and Tomato Plant Growth Parameters

The present study is based on the investigation of a soil hyphomyces, Paecilomyces lilacinus, an opportunistic bio-control agent, in controlling root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica on tomato in greenhouse conditions. P. lilacinus, effectively promoted the growth of plants inoculated with M. javanica by suppressing its pathogenesis as root galling by the nematode and egg mass production was greatly reduced. The fungus was most effective when the fungus and the nematode were inoculated simultaneously or the fungus preceded the nematode in sequential inoculation. Conversely, when the nematode preceded the fungus, the improvement in plant growth and reduction in root galling and egg mass production were not substantial. A great number of nematode eggs were infected by P. lilacinus, inhibiting juvenile development. The interior of eggs, were devoid of juveniles and filled by the fungus mycelium. Developed juveniles were found attacked and/or killed and showed mycelial growth over their bodies. Simultaneous inoculation or sequential inoculation in which the fungus was added prior to the nematode was more effective in controlling the nematode than when nematodes preceded the fungus. P. lilacinus was, therefore, effective in controlling the root knot nematode on tomato and suppressing its population growth.