Isolation, characterization, and predatory activity of nematode-trapping fungus, Arthrobotrys oligospora PSGSS01

Abstract

A research study was undertaken to find a fungus that could effectively trap and kill Meloidogyne spp., which are root-knot nematodes that cause significant crop loss worldwide. Soil samples were collected and processed appropriately for the isolation of nematode-trapping fungi. After a primary screening, a potential nematode-trapping fungus, Arthrobotrys oligospora (Orbilia oligospora) PSGSS01 was selected for further investigation. Its growth was tested under various conditions, including different media types, temperatures, and pH levels. Its predatory activity on Meloidogyne incognita was also assessed in vitro. The fungus exhibited septate double-celled conidiospores, trapping hyphae, and radiating and sparse mycelium. Optimal conditions for growth were found to be at 25 °C and a pH of 4.0 and 5.0 on corn meal agar. The best temperature and pH for conidiospore germination were 25°C − 37°C and 5.0, respectively. The isolate could trap 94% of second-stage juveniles of M. incognita, and 92% juvenile mortality was recorded in 120 h at 28°C. Therefore, the study concluded that the isolate A. oligospora (Orbilia oligospora) PSGSS01 could be used as a biological control agent against root-knot nematodes.

Keywords

• Arthrobotrys oligospora
• Biological control
• Growth characteristics
• Meloidogyne incognita
• Nematode-trapping