Impact of the Nematode-trapping Fungus, Dactylaria brochopaga as a Biocontrol Agent against Meloidogyne incognita Infesting Superior Grapevine

A field trial was conducted at El-Shourouk Farm, El-Beheira governorate, Egypt to determine the effectiveness of the commercial bio-product Dbx 1003, 20% containing the nematode-trapping fungus, Dactylaria brochopaga against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita infesting grapevine variety Superior. Its effects on plant growth criteria and yield production were also investigated. The fungus was introduced to soil by either of two ways; soil was drenched with spore suspension at the rate of 3L/tree and 1/2 kg of a vermiculite substrate, as a carrier of spores and mycelia, was added around each tree, both as single and twice applications in autumn and spring. All treatments significantly (p <= 0.05) reduced M incognita 2nd instar juvenile in the soil and number of root galls compared to the untreated control. Significant yield increases were recorded at all treatments. Twice applications of spores' suspension gave highest yield production.