Control of root-knot nematode disease in tomato-based sustainable agriculture using rhizosphere bacteria

Abstract

Root-knot nematode are one of the nematodes that damage plant roots, their existence causing yield loss of up to 46.2%. Currently, the disease and its damage prevention are focused on biological control to attain sustainability in agriculture. The use of rhizosphere bacteria is one alternative method for controlling root-knot nematode. The aim of this study is to find out rhizosphere bacteria which are able to control root-knot nematode and to improve growth of tomato. The experiment was conducted in the field, using a randomised block design with ten treatments of rhizosphere bacteria. In the final test in the field, it was concluded that consortium isolate consisting of LM24 and CK212, P52 (LM38 + CN26 + CK27 + CK212) only had potency in suppressing root-knot nematodes and P40 (LM24 + CN26) only resulted in better growth, whereas P31 (LM24 + CN26 + CK27) could not only suppress nematodes but also improve the growth and productivity of the tomato plant.