Efficacy of the combined usage of several control methods against Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in organic tomato agriculture

WOS: 000313931800010This study was conducted to determine whether or not the combined usage of biocontrol methods could be beneficial in reducing root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) infection in organic tomato (cv. Gokce) production. Treatments were (1) the use grafted plants alone, (2) broccoli [Brassica olerace var. italica L. (Cruciferae)] applied as green manure or with two biological control preparations [(3) Bioact (R), containing the spores of Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251, and (4) endoRoots (R) containing the spores of Endomycorrhizal (VAM) fungi (Glomus spp.)] and grafted plants together with these last three treatments, respectively (5, 6, 7). In the control treatment (8) non-grafted tomato plants were used. Trials were conducted according to randomized block design with four replicates during the autumn (September-January) and spring seasons (March-June) of 2008 and 2009. Yield, galling index scale and reproduction ratio of M. javanica were determined to evaluate the effects of the treatments. Results showed that use of grafted plants with BioAct (R) (autumn 59.27%; spring 72.46%) or green manuring with Broccoli (autumn 53.65%; spring 78.68%) reduced the root galling caused by M. javanica compared to the control plants. In autumn season grafted plants alone (16.45%) or together with the BioAct (R) (8.71%) and in summer season grafted plants together with Broccoli (78.48%) or BioAct (R) (51.48%) and Broccoli (62.87%) alone increased yield significantly. It is concluded that the combined usage of grafted plants with Broccoli or BioAct (R) could be a more effective control method against M. javanica in organic tomato production