Abstract

The medicinally important plant; Withania somnifera, is highly susceptible to root knot nematode; Meloidogyne incognita. Various nematode antagonistic fungi have been studied for their use as biocontrol agents. In the experiment, the potential of fungi Trichoderma harzianum, Paecilomyces lilacinus and Arthrobotrys oligosporaalong with natural organic compound (Neem compound mix) to control the nematode; M. incognita was evaluated.  Also, their potential to control nematodes was compared with that achieved by using the  chemical control agent; carbofuran. The fungal agents evaluated significantly controlled nematode population and  enhanced  plant growth.

Key words: Withania somnifera, Meloidogyne incognita, biocontrol.