Effects of Pseudomonas fluorescens and fertilizers on the reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita and growth of tomato

A 60-day glasshouse experiment was conducted to assess the influence of two strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens (GRP3 and PRS9), organic manure, and in organic fertilizers (urea, diammonium phosphate (DAP), muriate of potash an d monocalcium phosphate) alone and in combination on the multiplication of Meloidogyne incognita and growth of tomato. Pseudomonas fluorescens GRP3 wa s better at improving tomato growth and reducing galling and nematode multi plication than PRS9. Organic manuring resulted in less galling and nematode multiplication than occurred with DAP. However, DAP was found better in re ducing nematode multiplication and improving plant growth than urea. Muriat e of potash was the inorganic fertilizer least effective in reducing gallin g and nematode multiplication. Pseudomonas fluorescens GRP3 with organic ma nure was the best combination for the management of M. incognita on tomato but improved management of nil. incognita can also be obtained if DAP is us ed with the GRP3 strain of P. fluorescens. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. A ll rights reserved.