Effects of fertilizers, AM fungus and plant growth promoting rhizobacterium on the growth of tomato and on the reproduction of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita

Abstract The effects of Glomus intraradices and Pseudomonas putida were observed alone and in combination with fertilizers (composted cow manure and urea) on the growth of tomato and on the reproduction of Meloidogyne incognita. Inoculation of P. putida caused a greater increase in the tomato growth than G. intraradices and inoculation of both together caused a greater increase than by either of them. Use of composted manure was better in increasing tomato growth than urea and high dosage of fertilizers were more effective than low dosage. Composted manure with P. putida and G. intraradices was more beneficial for tomato growth than the use of urea with these microorganisms. Root colonization by G. intraradices and P. putida was increased with composted manure while urea had an adverse effect on root colonization. Pseudomonas putida caused a higher reduction in galling and nematode multiplication than G. intraradices. The maximum reduction in galling and nematode multiplication was observed when P. putida was used with G. intraradices together with composted manure.