Effect of Nodularia harveyana biomass on the incidence of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in tomato

The influence of direct application of lyophilized cyanobacterial biomass and its effect on the prevention of root-knot nematode infection in tomato plants, as an alternative to chemical control, was studied. Acute toxicity bioassays showed that an acetone extract of Nodularia harveyana was toxic to the free-living nematode Cephaloboides oxycerca. Pot trials tested two ways of applying lyophilized N. harveyana biomass around the plant roots, against larvae of the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita An antagonistic effect on gall induction was observed, indicating the possible use of biomass of this cyanobacterium as a nematocide.