Biocontrol potential of bacterial isolates from vermicompost and earthworm against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica infecting tomato plants

Abstract Background Root-knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp.) are the most destructive agricultural pests, which parasitize thousands of different plant species in world. Using antagonistic bacteria can be a potential alternative to hazardous chemical nematicides. This study was conducted evaluate biocontrol activities isolated from vermicompost and earthworm against M. javanica infected tomato plants. Results Seventeen were earthworm. Their effects tested root-knot nematode laboratory glasshouse experiments. In preliminary screening test, 8 bacterial isolates significantly caused more than 50% decrease reproduction factor (Rf) on plants . Six with 60% reduction Rf selected identified as follows: Lysinibacillus fusiformis C1, Bacillus megaterium C3, B. safensis VW3, Pseudomonas resinovorans VW4, sp. VW6, Sphingobacterium daejeonense LV1 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The P. L. C1 inhibited egg hatching 20–28%, VW6 15 20% mortality second-stage juveniles vitro. glasshouse, 6 reduced 47–66%, VW4 effective isolate. However, had best effect growth. Conclusions Most or nematicidal properties. provided empirical evidence C3 VW3