Efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis jordanica against Meloidogyne javanica Infecting Tomato

Abstract

A local strain of Bacillus thuringiensis jordanica (Btj), serotype H71, was evaluated for its efficacy in controlling Meloidogyne javanica attacking tomato. Glasshouse experiments were conducted using a soil drench of the bacterium applied one week before transplanting the tomato seedlings to the soil. Results showed a reduction in tomato root galling by 51–59% when M. javanica eggs or second stage juveniles (J2) were used as inoculum respectively. Single (14 days) and double (14 and 7 days) applications of Btj before plantation, both achieved a significant reduction in root galling. A field trial also showed that Btj, alone or in combination with peptone, significantly reduced root galling.