Fungal Antagonists and their Effectiveness to Manage the Rice Root-knot Nematode, Meloidogyne graminicola

Meloidogyne graminicola, the rice root-knot nematode (RRKN), is becoming an increasing problem worldwide for rice farming, especially in intensive rice-growing regions. Unlike other Meloidogyne species, M. graminicola causes spiral or hook-shaped terminal galls on lateral roots. The nematode threatens food security by attacking rice in the nursery and main fields and significantly reducing the paddy yield. Fungal antagonists (FAs) represent a potential group of beneficial microorganisms that may contribute substantially to manage RRKN with multifarious actions. Application of FAs viz., Arthrobotrys spp., A. eudermata, Aspergillus spp., Catenaria anguillulae, Dactylaria brochopaga, Purpureocillium (= Paecilomyces) lilacinus, Pochonia chlamydosporia, Stylopagahadra, Trichoderma spp., etc. may reduce RRKN population and reproduction, while increasing rice production. An in-depth and critical study of FAs and their possible utilization in RRKN management are presented in this chapter.