Abstract

Experiment was conducted to find out the level and appropriate time of application of biocontrol agent Pasteuria penetrans (parasitic endospore forming bacterium) for the effective control of Meloidogyne incognita in banana. The effectiveness of the bacteria, P. penetrans increased with increase in the level of the inoculam of the three levels viz. 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 g kg of soil. The highest level of 0.75 g kg of soil (one gram dried root preparation contained spore level of 24 x 10") reduced the population of M.incognita in soil and gall index and increased the female infection more effectively. P. penetrans at 0.75 g kg soil applied at planting was found to be superior over the chemical carbofuran. The maximum control was obtained by the bacterium applied at planting compared to other timing of applications viz. 30 and 60 days after planting.

Keywords: Nematode, Biocontrol, Banana, Pasteuria penetrans, Meloidogyne incognita