Evaluation of a Biological Control Agent for Control of Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne Marylandi, on Turfgrass.

Meloidogyne marylandi, root-knot nematode, is a widely distributed pest of turfgrass in Texas. This root-knot nematode is frequently associated with turfgrass exhibiting various symptoms of decline and poor growth. Despite its distribution and importance on turfgrass few studies have investigated practices to manage this nematode species. The effect of Bacillus firmus, a new biological control agent, was evaluated for suppression of root-knot nematode on bermudagrass. A golf green naturally infested with M. marylandi, 100 juveniles and eggs/100 cc soil, was treated with a low, medium, and high rate of B. firmus. Nematode population density and turfgrass quality was evaluated throughout the growing season. This study will benefit the turfgrass industry by providing data on the effectiveness of this biocontrol agent on root-knot nematode.