Evaluation of Bioagents for their Efficacy in Management of Root-knot Nematode Infesting Mulberry

Mulberry is integral to sericulture, with its foliage being crucial for silk quality. The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, significantly impacts mulberry by causing considerable leaf yield losses and degrading leaf quality. This study evaluated the efficacy of various bioagents for the eco-friendly management of RKN. The bioagents tested were Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, Pochonia clamydosporia, and Pseudomonas fluorescens, alongside control treatments including carbofuran 3G and neem cake. Results demonstrated that T. viride markedly reduced the nematode population in both soil and roots, achieving a nematode reduction of 79.82% in soil and 85.21% in roots at 120 days post-treatment. These reductions were comparable to those obtained with the chemical standard carbofuran 3G. The application of T. viride, in conjunction with farmyard manure, emerged as a highly effective strategy, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical nematicides. This approach not only controls RKN populations but also enhances soil health, thereby supporting sustainable sericulture practices. These findings underscore the potential of bioagents in fostering environmentally sustainable and economically viable sericulture.