In vitro antagonistic activity of Argentinean isolates of Purpureocillium lilacinum on Nacobbus aberrans eggs

In vitro interaction of three Argentinean isolates of Purpureocillium lilacinum (one isolated from a public park and two from agricultural soils) towards Nacobbus aberrans eggs was studied.After seven incubation days, the three isolates showed reproductive fungal structures fully developed whereas 80 to 100 % of the eggs were infected.No significant differences among the three isolates were observed in fungal activity with respect to hatching and parasitism under the assayed test conditions (p>0.05).The hatching percentage in control plates increased during the evaluation period of the cultures, with no signs of fungal infection, showing significant differences as compared to the plates infected (p<0.05).Although the three isolates studied could be considered as potential agents for biological control of root-knot nematodes, it is necessary to further study some aspects in a wide range of experimental conditions in the laboratory, greenhouse and field so as to determine their real efficiency.