Effects of rhizobacteria and root symbionts on the reproduction of Meloidogyne javanica and growth of chickpea

The effects of rhizobacteria, i.e. Pseudomonas fluorescens, Azotobacter chroococcum and Azospirillum brasilense, alone and in combination with root symbionts, Rhizobium sp. and Glomus mosseae, on the growth of chickpea, Cicer arietinum, and reproduction of Meloidogyne javanica were studied. When added alone G. mosseae was better at improving plant growth and reducing galling and nematode reproduction than any other tested organism. Application of P. fluorescens caused an almost similar increase in plant growth to that caused by Rhizobium sp., while use of A. chroococcum was better than A. brasilense in improving growth of nematode – infected plants. Combined use of P. fluorescens with G. mosseae was better at improving plant growth and reducing galling and nematode multiplication than any other combined treatment.