Alternative control of Meloidogyne incognita in tomato plants

Abstract

The genus Meloidogyne has a wide geographical distribution, parasitizing plant cultivars around the world and causing large losses for farmers. Then, is necessary the search for alternative control methods which are cheap and that improving the quality of products and protection of the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate different alternative control methods against Meloidogyne incognita on tomato plants: extract of Ruta graveolens, homeopathic products and commercial bioproducts. Five treatments were evaluated: non-treated plants (water), extract of R. graveolens, Thuya occidentalis homeopathic, Cina homeopathic, bioproduct based on the fungus Pochonia chlamidosporia and bioproduct based on Bacillus spp. and Trychoderma spp. The assay was conducted for eight weeks with weekly foliar applications. We evaluated the length and volume of the root, total plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry masses, index galls, eggs and juveniles in root, and reproduction factor. The experiment was a completely randomized design with five replications. Data were analysed by Tukey test at 5% probability. The results showed that tomato plants were resistance when treated with homeopathic Thuya and Cina and bioproduct based on the fungus P. chlamydosporia, whereas the tomato plants were susceptible to nematodes when treated with R. graveolens extract, and the bioproduct based on Bacillus spp. and Trychoderma spp.