Comparative efficacy of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and abamectin-based pesticide to manage the root-knot nematode infestation on tomato plants

Background and purpose: Root Knot Nematodes (RKN) hamper plant growth and productivity. They are basically managed by chemicals arising environmental and health concerns. Material and methods: Pots and greenhouse experiments were conducted to test the bio-control effect of Trivago SC20 (based on abamectin derived from Streptomyces avermitilis) and Myco-up attack (based on Glomus iranicum var tenuihypharum mycorrhizae compared with the two nematicides [Vydate® (oxamyl) for pot assay and Mocap® (ethoprophos) for greenhouse assay] in controlling Meloidogyne javanica infesting tomato. Gall index, gall number /g root, egg-masses /g root, RKN /g root, multiplication rate, M. javanica density, nematodes groups frequency, hatched eggs/ egg masses, agronomic and production traits were studied to determine the efficiency of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and abamectin compared with the fungicide application. Results: The first experimental results showed that high nematode suppression was provided by G. iranicum and abamectin treatments. Both bio-nematicides were also effective in the control of M. javanica naturally infested tomato plants under greenhouse conditions. Besides, the G. iranicum and abamectin had a positive effect on plant growth because of stimulation of plant vegetation parameters, such as the shoot weight and root length. Furthermore, the AMF satisfactorily colonized the tomato roots. Conclusions: Hence, tested abamectin and mycorrhizae-based products may be used for M. javanica management programs as an alternative and eco-friendly approach to fungicides, while preserving the environment.