Biological control of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica, using vermicompost and fungus Trichoderma harzianum on tomato

Integrated and separate application of Trichoderma harzianum and vermicompost on activity of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica was examined under in vitro and green house conditions. The root-knot nematode identified using morphological characters and fungal isolate with the help of species-specific primers as well. Ability of two fungal isolates on egg hatching and mortality of M. javanica juveniles were tested under laboratory conditions. The results of the laboratory test indicated that the mortality of M. javanica juveniles was highest in the base concentration (100%), and inhibition of egg hatching of the first isolate was more than the other one. In the green house experiment, effects of integrated and separate application of vermicompost and T. harzianum on tomato plants growth factors and nematode reproduction indices, in two independent of 90 and 120 days harvesting time, were tested. Results showed that integrated using of vermicompost and the fungus, in addition of controlling nematode, increased plant growth and indicated a promising potential of nematode control by using combination of these two biological agents.