The effect of some biopesticides on the reproduction of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (kofoid & white) and plant parameters in tomato seed and seedling applications applications

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are among the most significant plant-parasitic nematodes, causing considerable yield losses in agricultural production. Environmentally friendly biopesticides are a key component of sustainable nematode management strategies, in addition to other conventional pesticides. This study investigated the efficacy of two commercial Bacillus based biopesticides Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MBI 600 (Biopesticide-I) and Bacillus subtilis QST 713 (Biopesticide-II) against Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949 (Tylenchida: Meloidogynidae) on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. In the trial conducted in 2024 at Abant İzzet Baysal University, parameters such as root-knot indeks, the number of second-stage juveniles (L2), and egg mass counts were evaluated at both the seed and seedling stages. The results indicated that Biopesticide-II, applied at a dose of 1000 ml/da, significantly reduced both root-knot and L2 populations by 67.9% and 85%, respectively, making it the most effective treatment. Chemical Abamectin 20 g/L applications also provided significant suppression, while Biopesticide-I provided moderate effectiveness at low doses but performed poorly at higher concentrations. Additionally, Biopesticide-II positively influenced seedling height and fresh root weight. These findings suggest that Bacillus based biopesticides offer a promising and environmentally sustainable alternative for managing M. incognita infestations in tomato cultivation, contributing to the development of effective biological control strategies in nematology.