Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes on the development of Meloidogyne incognita on tomato

Research was done on two important groups of nematodes plant parasitic nematodes, insect parasitic nematodes (Entomopathogenic nematodes). Among plant parasitic nematodes, root knot nematodes are the most economically important factor. RKN has a wide host range. They are damaging pest of many vegetable crops in Pakistan. Tomatoes are the most seriously affected by Meloidogyne incognita. The study were planned to investigate the effects of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) on the invasion, development and reproduction of Meloidogyne incognitaon tomato. In first experiment identify the different species of entomopathogenic nematodes on the basis of their infected color produce on the galleria. Further more check the efficacy of these species against the root knot nematode on tomato. Tomato plants were inoculated with different available species (S. asiaticum, S. glaseri, H. indicus, H. bacteriophora) of EPN at density 2000/pot in tomato plants at various times of applications (5 days before, at the same time, and after 5 days) of application of RKN were studied. Crop was harvested at 35 days to assess the reproduction (no. of galls, no. of egg masses, and no. of females) of M incognita in experimental plants. In the second experiment 4 species of EPN (2 species of Steinernema and 2 species of Heterorhabditis) were evaluated against invasion, development and reproduction of M. incognita (J2) sequentially. These 4 species of EPN mixed with RKN made treatments and inoculated with 1000 (J2s) of M. incognita and then EPN (2000/pot). Data were recorded after 7, 17 and 35 days far invasion, development and reproduction of M. incognita in experimental plants. Calculate the different stages of RKN population. In third experiment observed the protective and curative effect of EPN against RKN infection on tomato. EPN were applied @ 2000 juveniles before inoculation with 1000 (J2s) of M. incognita to observed the protective effect on the development of RKN. For curative effect EPN were applied after the inoculation of M. incognita. The crop was harvested after 35 days and data were recorded on the basis of reproduction variables of RKN.