Brevibacillus laterosporus as a Natural Biological Control Agent of Soil-Dwelling Nematodes

The nematocidal potential of an entomopathogenic strain Brevibacillus laterosporus previously known for its antimicrobial properties was assessed on the free-living nematode microworm Panagrellus redivivus and root-knot Meloidogyne incognita. Laboratory bioassays showed significant culture supernatant bacterium, achieving over 90% mortality both microworms M. incognita juveniles when collected at sporulation phase, which related to progressive production release virulence factors toxins in medium this stage bacterial growth. A protein fraction obtained by precipitation from found be very active against nematodes with a concentration-dependent effect LC50 value 0.4 µg/µL Bacterial preparations based either spores or proved effective reducing density treated compared untreated soil, makes use B. as biological control agent soil-dwelling pests particularly promising.