Effect of Paecilomyces lilacinus, Pasteuria penetrans and VAM on the growth of coconut seedlings infested with Radopholus similis
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Date
2004-12
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Abstract
The burrowing nematode. Radopholus similis causes serious damage to coconut. Lesions and rotting of roots, defoliation and poor yield are the symptoms due to this nematode attack. Though the application of ncrnaticidcs is erfectivc in reducing the nematode population, these chemical pesticides dcs~roy the beneficial soil fauna. Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi can protect the coconut seedlings from nematode invasion. Investigation was carried out for three years (1994-1998) to assess the effect of biocontrol agents (BCA) namely Pasteuria penetrans, Paecilomyces lilacinus and Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi on the growth of coconut seedlings infested with R. similis. The results showed that application of these biocontrol agents reduced the nematode multiplication significantly. while ameliorating the ill effects caused by the nematode. These biohontrol agents were more effective when they were applied together compared to their individual applications. Prior protection of the plants with BCAs either individually or in combination was better compared to simultaneous inoculation with the nematode. P. penetrans and P. lilacinus suppressed the nematode population effectively also under field conditions. Among VAM fungi, Acaulospora bireticulata, Glomus mosseae and G. fasciculatum multiplied well under field conditions. Since these organisms were found to multiply and survive under field conditions for more than three years, they need to be introduced to the root zone of perennial crops after every three to five years.
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Radopholus similis, Paecilomyces lilacinus, Pasteuria penetrans, VAM, burrowing nematode, biocontrol agents
Citation
Journal of Plantation Crops 32(Suppl.) December 2004: 280-284