Production of Nematode egg parasitic fungus, Paecilomyceslilacinus, on Banana wastes and certain plant leaves.

Abstract

Plant parasitic nematodes constitute one of the major limiting factors to banana production. Use of chemicals for management of plant parasitic nematodes is environmentally unsafe and therefore, biological control is a promising option. In this respectPaecilomyces lilacinus, a facultative fungal parasite on eggs and females of root-knot nematodes, is a promising tool. The fungus proliferates in the rhizosplane without causing any adverse effect on the plant. Though a commercial formulation of P. lilacinus, named BIOACT, is available in Philippines, no such formulation is available in India. Carrier used in the mass production system and application technology determines the successful use ofbioagents against nematodes. The substrate used in the mass production technology should not only be economical but also facilitate easy availability in abundant quantity. Jatala (1981) suggested that the fungus can be eftectively cultured on cereal grains like wheat, rice, bajra and rye. Hence, an attempt has been made to mass produce P. lilacinus with relatively cheaper materials (banana wastes and plant leaves) which are abundantly available in banana plantations.