EFFECTS OF SOME RHIZOSPHERE BACTERIA FOR THE BIOCONTROL OF NEMATODES OF THE GENUS MELOIDOGYNE WITH ARTHROBOTRYS OLIGOSPORA

Some bacteria associated with Arthrobotrys oligospora ORS 18692 S7 iso lated from a vegetable-producing area in Senegal were tested for their potential effects on fungus development (saprophytic growth and trapp ing activity), multiplication of Meloidogyne mayaguensis on tomato pla nts, and growth of the host-plant. Three bacterial strains enhanced in vitro fungal activity against the nematode, which resulted in better control of the nematode and improved plant growth. These bacteria were called Nematophagous fungus Helper Bacteria (NHB). No criteria could be found for predicting the helper effect of these bacteria. The poten tialities of NHB for nematode biocontrol are discussed. (C) Elsevier - ORSTOM.