The combination of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Purpureocillium lilacinum in the control of Meloidogyne enterolobii.
Bionematicides, Synergism, Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs), Meloidogyne enterolobii, chemotaxis.
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) pose a significant challenge for global food production. An effective and financially feasible method for managing these soil-borne pathogens is the utilization of antagonistic microorganisms. The fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum and bacteria of the genus Bacillus have been identified as effective biocontrol agents of PPNs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the combination of P. lilacinum strains PL251 and B. amyloliquefaciens strain D747 on: i) the control of Meloidogyne enterolobii and ii) the plant growth promotion. The results showed that the combination of Double Nickle® (B. amyloliquefaciens strain D747) and MeloCon® (P. lilacinum strains PL251) significantly (p<0,05) reduced the number of eggs per gram of root by 84%, compared to the control group. The study also demonstrated that the B. amyloliquefaciens strain D747 can produce volatile organic compounds and cell-free supernatant that are toxic to the second-stage juvenile (J2) of M. enterolobii. On the other hand, P. lilacinum strains PL251 impact the nematode hatching by direct predation and cell-free supernatant with ovicidal activity. The root-exudate extract from cucumber was highly attractive to the J2 of M. enterolobii. However, after treatment with the bacteria, fungi or both, the root-exudate turned highly repellent to the nematode. Moreover, the microorganisms can modulate the preference of M. enterolobii for the plant root, potentially enhancing the control of the nematode, indicating a synergistic effect of the mixture among B. amyloliquefaciens and P. lilacinum.