Effect of different west African species and strains of Arthrobotrys nematophagous fungi on Meloidogyne species

Different species of Arthrobotrys nematophagous fungi and several strains of A. oligospora have been studied for their antagonistic effects against nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne, important pests of vegetables. All fungi trapped M. mayaguensis and M. incognita juveniles in vitro but had no effect on the juveniles of M. javanica. In pot experiments with M. mayaguensis, all fungi reduced the nematode populations and stimulated the growth of tomato seedlings. In a field trial, a strain of A. oligospora, isolated in Senegal and incorporated into compost blocks, was efficient in increasing the tomato-seedling growth. The introduction of nematophagous fungi in compost blocks as a biological biocontrol technique against phytophagous nematodes adapted for developing countries is discussed.