Abstract

Field trials were conducted in black pepper cv. Karimunda and Panniyur in 2010 - 2011 to assess the efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pfbv 22) and Bacillus subtilis (Bbv 57) against Radopholus similis and Meloidogyne incognita in Kanyakumari and Dindigul districts of Tamil Nadu. Talc based formulations of Pfbv 22 and Bbv 57 were prepared and applied through soil @ 10 g individually and as consortium (Pfbv 22 + Bbv 57 each @ 5g) /vine in the fields naturally infested with the above mentioned nematodes. Efficacy of talc formulations was compared with the standard chemical, carbofuran. Growth and yield parameters of black pepper and nematodes infestation in roots and soil were assessed at harvest of the berries. Soil application of consortia formulation of Pfbv 22 and Bbv 57 at 10 g per vine significantly enhanced the growth and berry yield of vine and reduced the nematode population over untreated control in both cultivars.

Keywords: Black pepper, biological control, root knot nematode, burrowing nematode, P. fluorescens, B. subtilis.