Exogenous application of different antagonists and their secretory metabolites to manage root-knot nematodes in pea

Abstract

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a grain legume, a member of the Leguminosae family. Root-knot nematodes cause severe losses ranging from 15 to 85%. Different species of nematodes including root-knot nematodes reduce the yield of pea significantly. To control root-knot nematodes biological control is a more environment-friendly approach. The main objective of the study is to assess the effect of different antagonistic microbes and their secretory metabolites to manage root-knot nematodes in peas. Through this research, we aim to identify potential biological control agents that can be used as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical nematicides, contributing to sustainable pest management practices in agriculture. For this purpose, firstly, a brinjal seedling was transplanted for inoculum development which was inoculated with infective 2nd stage juveniles of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in Department of Plant Pathology research area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). Then two pea varieties viz. Matar sabaz and Pea-2009 were sown in pots and inoculated with nematode larvae after four weeks of sowing. Moreover, the management of nematodes was done by using the antagonists and their secretory metabolites application. The data of different plant growth and nematode-related parameters was taken and subsequently analyzed using analysis of variance and least significant difference test (LSD). Results showed that the antagonist’s treatment subsequently controlled root-knot nematodes (RKNs). Maximum plant/shoot length (47 cm), root length (25.25 cm), shoot weight (22.25 g) pod length (8.50 cm), No. of secondary shoots (8) and minimum number of galls (2.5 cluster), was observed in plants treated with Bacillus spp. (T1) while maximum No. of fruits (5.75) was observed in plants treated with Pseudomonas spp. (T2). Similarly, the number of nodules (7.50 clusters) primary shoots (5) Root weight (4.6 g) was observed in plants treated with Enterobacter spp. (T3).