Enhancement of tomato growth, yield and resistance to the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica)
after the field application of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

M.R. Karajeh

Summary Effects of the yeast fungus Saccharomyces cerevisiae on tomato cv. Asala and its interaction with the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica were evaluated under field conditions. The yeast was equally effective as the reference nematicide (a.i. oxamyl). It was more effective than hydrogen peroxide when applied as a rhizospheric soil drench leading to a signifi cant reduction of root galling and nematode reproduction ability as compared to the untreated control. Furthermore, field application of S. cerevisiae improved tomato growth and yield and increased nematode resistance of tomato cv. Asala through increasing its root total phenolic content in a similar way as exogenously applied hydrogen peroxide.

Additional Keywords: pest management, Solanum lycopersicum, vegetable crops

Hellenic Plant Protection Journal 7: 35-42, 2014