Effects of rhizobacteria and root symbionts on the reproduction of Meloidogyne javanica and growth of chickpea

The effects of rhizobacteria, i.e. Pseudomonas fluorescens, Azotobacter chr oococcum and Azospirillum brasilense, alone and in combination with root sy mbionts, Rhizobium sp. and Glomus mosseae, on the growth of chickpea, Cieer arietinum, and reproduction of Meloidogyne javanica were studied. When add ed alone G. mosseae was better at improving plant growth and reducing galli ng and nematode reproduction than any other tested organism. Application of P. floureseens caused an almost similar increase in plant growth to that c aused by Rhizobium sp., while use of A. chroococcum was better than A. bras ilense in improving growth of nematode - infected plants. Combined use of P . flourescens with G. mosseae was better at improving plant growth and redu cing galling and nematode multiplication than any other combined treatment. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.