Improving root-knot nematode management on two soybean genotypes through the application of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, Trichoderma pseudokoningii and Glomus mosseae in full factorial combinations

The effects of soybean inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus Glomus mosseae (200 spores/plant), the nodulating bacterium Bradyrhizobium japonicum (106 cells/plant) and the nematode antagonistic fungus Trichoderma pseudokoningii (6.8×107 spores/plant) were studied. Application of the microorganisms separately, in dual, or in triple combinations were assessed in the presence of the plant-parasitic nematode, Meloidogyne incognita under screen house (1000 second stage juvenile/plant) and field (1500 eggs/plant) conditions, with two soybean genotypes. The microorganism treatments were compared with application of a synthetic nematicide (Furadan 3G® [a.i. carbofuran]), an untreated control without nematodes and a nematode-only control. Application of the microorganisms in full factorial combinations suppressed nematode reproduction in most cases and reduced nematode galling comparable to the nematicide treatment. The results provide evidence of the potential of beneficial microorganisms in providing equal or better protection against root-knot nematode damage, than the synthetic nematicide carbofuran.