Management of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita of eggplant using some growth-promoting rhizobacteria and chitosan under greenhouse conditions

Abstract

Abstract Background Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is one of the most popular vegetable crops in Egypt. It is affected by a wide range of pests; prominent among them is root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne spp. which constitutes a major group of plant-parasitic nematodes causing great economic losses worldwide especially in Egypt. Main body The present investigation was performed under greenhouse conditions to evaluate the potentials of 3 growth-promoting bacteria, Azospirilum brasilense, Azotobacter chroococcum, and Bacillus subtilis, as well as chitosan for the control of the nematode Meloidogyne incognita causes root-knot disease of eggplant cv. Baladi. All treatments reduced (p ≤ 0.05) the nematode population in soil and roots as well as enhanced the plant growth parameters of eggplant remarkably than the control. The applied treatments varied in their efficacy against the plant nematode infection in correspondence to the time of application. The recorded results demonstrated that maximum reduction in J2 in soil, egg mass/root, and eggs/egg masses were obtained by treating the soil with Bacillus subtilis followed by Azospirilum brasilense and Azotobacter chroococcum. Also, chitosan resulted in high reduction in root galls compared to control treatment. Conclusion The use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, Azospirilum brasilense, Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus subtilis, and chitosan achieved efficient control to Meloidogyne incognita and consequently increase eggplant growth parameters under greenhouse conditions. The present results suggested introducing such rhizobacteria in integrated nematode management program.