A Potential Antagonist – Purpureocillium sp. against Root-Knot Nematode
Abstract
The antagonistic activity of Purpureocillium sp. at different concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 g/l) and carbofuran (2 g/l) against root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne sp.) was evaluated. Among the tested concentrations, Purpureocillium sp. at 12 g/l resulted in the highest juvenile mortality (65.90%) and also showed considerable egg hatching inhibition (36.54%) compared to the control. The findings suggest that Purpureocillium sp. has potential as a biocontrol agent against root-knot nematodes.
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Introduction
Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are among the most destructive plant-parasitic nematodes, causing significant yield losses in a wide range of crops. Management of these nematodes largely depends on chemical nematicides, but environmental and health concerns have shifted attention toward biological control agents.
Purpureocillium sp. (formerly Paecilomyces lilacinus) is a common saprophytic, filamentous fungus. It has been isolated from a wide range of habitats including cultivated and uncultivated soils, forests, grasslands, deserts, estuarine sediments, and sewage sludge. It has also been found in nematode eggs and occasionally from females of root-knot and cyst nematodes. Additionally, it is frequently detected in the rhizosphere of many crops. This fungus can grow at temperatures ranging from 8°C to 30°C, with optimal growth between 20°C and 25°C. It has a wide pH tolerance and can grow on various substrates. Purpureocillium sp. has shown promising results as a biocontrol agent against root-knot nematodes and other soil-borne pathogens (Anusha, 2014).
Given the severity of root-knot nematode infestations on various crops and the growing inclination of farmers toward biocontrol agents, the present study was undertaken with the following objectives:
- To evaluate the efficacy of different isolates of Purpureocillium sp. against egg hatching and juvenile mortality of root-knot nematodes.
- To determine the effective concentration of Purpureocillium sp. for nematode suppression.
Conclusion
The present study demonstrates that Purpureocillium sp. possesses significant antagonistic activity against root-knot nematodes. Among the tested isolates, Siker (P-3) showed the highest juvenile mortality (65.90% at 12 g/l), while egg hatching inhibition was concentration- and time-dependent. Further studies, including pot and field experiments, are needed to confirm the efficacy of Purpureocillium sp. under natural conditions and to develop suitable formulations for agricultural application.
References
- Ajrami, H. (2016). Evaluation of the effect of Paecilomyces lilacinus as a biocontrol agent of Meloidogyne javanica on tomato in Gaza Strip [Master's thesis, The Islamic University of Gaza].
- Anusha, B. (2014). Mass production of Paecilomyces lilacinus (Thom) Samson and bioefficacy against root-knot nematode infecting tomato [M.Sc. thesis, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad].
- Paladiya, S. H., Sandipan, P. B., Patel, P. S., & Patel, R. K. (2023). Antagonist activity of Purpureocillium sp. against root-knot nematode. In National Conference on "Transformation of Agro-Technologies for Enhancing Production Under Agro-Ecosystem" (p. 172). College of Agriculture, Waghai, NAU, Navsari.
- Pau, C. G., Leong, S., Wong, S. K., Eng, L., Jiwan, M., Kundat, F. R., Aziz, Z. F. B. A., Ahmed, O. H., & Majid, N. M. (2012). Isolation of indigenous strains of Paecilomyces lilacinus with antagonistic activity against Meloidogyne incognita. International Journal of Agriculture & Biology, *14*, 197–203.