Effect of different west african species and strains ofArthrobotrysnematophagous fungi onMeloidogynespecies

Different species ofArthrobotrysnematophagous fungi and several strains ofA. oligosporahave been studied for their antagonistic effects against nematodes of the genusMeloidogyne, important pests of vegetables. All fungi trappedM. mayaguensisandM. incognitajuvenilesin vitrobut had no effect on the juveniles ofM. javanica.In pot experiments withM. mayaguensis, all fungi reduced the nematode populations and stimulated the growth of tomato seedlings. In a field trial, a strain of A.oligospora, isolated in Senegal and incorporated into compost blocks, was efficient in increasing the tomato seedling growth. The introduction of nematophagous fungi in compost blocks as a biological biocontrol technique against phytophagous nematodes adapted for developing countries is discussed.