Purpureocillium lilacinum strain AUMC 10620 as a biocontrol agent against the citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans under laboratory and field conditions

Abstract Three concentrations (1.25, 2.5, and 5 × 10 7 spores ml −1 ) (of the biocontrol fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum (strain AUMC 10620) were tested on citrus nematode Tylenchulus semipenetrans under in vitro field conditions. Larvae eggs exposed to fungal for 24, 48, 72 h, findings recorded at each time point. These results compared with application of nematicide abamectin. Strain 10620 effectively reduced larval activity egg hatching T. laboratory The highest concentration (5× P. , resulted 89.01% immobility larvae, abamectin, which 65.93% after 48 h exposure. percentages increased exposure (100 85.09%) when a abamectin used, respectively. On other hand, two 2.5 affected larvae lesser extent. 5× inhibited 71.34, 80, 86.67% treatment showed 76.67, 78, 87% abovementioned periods, In addition, (5 or conditions significantly ( P < 0.05) population major species semipenetrans, Tylenchorhynchus spp., Helicotylenchus Pratylenchus spp.) infesting one, two, three weeks control but no significant > differences between treatments. application, percentage reduction was smaller than 5, 1.25 respectively, by 78.42, 64.03, 58.35%. It is evident from these that strain (AUMC can be used integrated pest management programs nematodes trees. Graphical abstract