A Fungal Parasite of Meloidogyne javanica Eggs: Evaluation of its Use to Control the Root-knot Nematode

A fungal parasite was isolated from black - coloured egg masses of Meloidogyne javanica on tomato roots . The fungus did not sporulate on any of the culture media tested or in the egg mass . Hyphal characteristics suggest that it is similar to the hyphomycete genus Scytalidium. Hyphae of the Scytalidium- like fungus (CBS 645 . 97 and IMI 368886) proliferated in the gelatinous matrix of the egg mass and penetrated the eggshell via a penetration peg . Parasitism of the egg mass greatly lowered the hatch rate of M. javanica juveniles in vitro. Application of the fungus to soil did not inhibit juvenile penetration into tomato roots . However , the nematode population in soil treated with the fungus was lower than in non - treated soil after one nematode generation . The exact identification of the Scytalidium like fungus , technology for mass production and its application in the field for control of root - knot nematodes requires further investigation .