Efficacy of amended vermicompost for bio-control of root knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita infesting tomato in Egypt

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) (Meloidogynespp) is the most economically destructive species. A pot experiment was conducted to assess the suppressing potential of three vermicompost types of different plant residues origin on (RKNs) (Meloidogyne incognita) in tomato cultivar by inoculation in prepared soil. Three vermicompost types CD (Cow dung) alone; CD mixed with either Taro Leaves (TL) or Saw Dust (SD) as carbonaceous sources were prepared for this study. Results revealed an overall significant increase in RKNs infected plants growth parameters in the vermicompost (SD + CD and TL+ CD) inoculated soil. Whereas, markedly increments were observed in root, shoot length and number of lateral roots besides their marvelous effect on controlling the RKN infection and blocking it to be restricted to the outer layer of vascular bundle. Our findings elucidated that different plant wastes origin vermicompost types have noticeable effects on RKNs infected tomato plants. The applied vermicompost (CD with either SD or TL) is serving not only as bio-organic fertilizer but also as effective bio-controlling treatment for root-knot nematodes and has no negative effect on the environment.