Exploiting egg-parasitic fungi for the management of Meloidogyne incognita in Tomato and eggplant

Abstract

Abstract Meloidogyne incognita causes significant yield losses in tomato and eggplant, averaging 23% and 21% annually in India. A two-year field study (Rabi (winter) 2024–2025) under the AICRP on Nematodes in Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, evaluated soil application of egg-parasitic fungi, Purpureocillium lilacinum and Pochonia chlamydosporia (each at 2.5 kg/ha) enriched with farmyard manure (FYM, 2.5 t/ha) against M. incognita. Pooled data revealed that P. lilacinum + FYM significantly suppressed nematode populations, Tomato: root population: 43/10 g roots; soil J2s: 149/200 cc; egg masses: 51.1/root system, eggplant: root population: 82.5/10 g roots; soil J2s: 163/200 cc; egg masses: 50.4/root system. Root-knot index declined to 2.6 in both crops, with yields reaching 20.8 and 18.7 t/ha respectively. P. chlamydosporia + FYM showed moderate suppression, inferior to carbofuran 3 G. Purpureocillium lilacinum combined with FYM represents an effective, economically viable, and eco-friendly nematode management strategy for vegetable growers in North-East India.