Abstract

                                Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are economically significantplant parasites causing extensive damage to various crops globally. Theirsedentary endoparasitic nature, facilitated by a stylet, induces the formationof giant cells in plant roots, leading to characteristic symptoms such as galling,stunting, wilting, and reduced yield. To manage these pests, a combinationof cultural, biological, and chemical methods is employed. Among biologicalcontrol agents, Pasteuria penetrans, an obligate hyperparasitic bacterium,which shows effectiveness and primarily targets root-knot nematodes andexhibits specificity towards certain species or strains within the Meloidogynegenus. The conductance of a host range study is pivotal in understanding thepotential efficacy and specificity of biocontrol agents against target pests. Thecurrent study aims to explore the host range of P. penetrans its effectivenessagainst three nematode species, Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyneenterolobii. Meloidogyne graminicola tested its efficacy against various hostcrops. The outcome of the current study gives the successful attachment ofP. penetrans against M. incognita, whereas M. enterolobii were not shownpromising results and also M. graminicola was identified as a non-host forthis bacterium. And also, the results of this study provide valuable insightsinto the applicability of P. penetrans as a biological control agent.

Key words : Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., Pasteuria penetrans, host range study, nematode management strategies