Efficacy of indigenous fungi isolates against root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp) in-vito
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Date
2020
Authors
Kariuki, A. N
Waceke, J.W.
Maina, M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
RUFORUM
Abstract
Root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are a serious problem in smallholder tomato farms
causing 90-100% yield loss in tomato crop in Kenya. For sustainable food production, effective
management of nematodes is primarily dependent on the application of chemical nematicides.
Chemical nematicides though very effective are expensive and also environmentally unfriendly due
to their residual toxicity and pollution of the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate
the efficacy of indigenous antagonistic fungi in management of Root Knot Nematodes (RKN).
Soil and root samples were obtained from Kirinyaga County. Fungal isolates were isolated from
healthy tomato roots and Meloidogyne eggs by direct plating techniques. Root Knot Nematodes
inoculum was extracted by Baermann’s technique from soil and through root maceration method
from heavily galled tomato roots. A total of 45 fungal isolates were isolated from tomato roots
and RKN eggs. The fungal isolates were identified to belong to the various genera (Trichoderma,
Fusarium, Paecilomyces, Aspergillus and Penicilium spp.). Some genera are yet to be clearly
identified. Trichoderma spp. were the most prevalent (33.3%) followed by Fusarium spp. (28.9%).
An experiment was conducted in the Kenyatta University agricultural laboratory with 45 treatments
(isolates) replicated three times in a Completely Randomized Design. Data were subjected to
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using SAS software and Means Separation done using Fisher’s
Least Significance Difference (LSD) at 5% level of significance. The fungal isolates caused RKN
juvenile mortality that was significantly higher than the control. The highest juvenile mortality was
recorded with Trichoderma spp 13. (88.33%) followed by Paecilomyces spp. and Trichoderma spp
1. (86.67%) which was significantly different from the untreated (1.67%). The results of this study
show that indigenous fungal isolates have the potential of controlling root knot nematodes in vitro.
Description
A research article published in RUFORUM Working Document Series
Keywords
Bio-control products, Meloidogyne spp, second stage juvenile
Citation
Kariuki, A. N., Waceke, J. W., & Maina, M. RUFORUM Working Document Series (ISSN 1607-9345), 2018, No. 17 (1): 747-754. Available from http://repository. ruforum. org.