Bioagent and plant extract strategy of control against root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) of greenhouse cucumber

The devastating root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) can cause severe damage to greenhouse crops. Due to high economic losses, alternative products are essential to replace banned, or strictly regulated nematicides that affect human health and/or the environment. Studies were carried out at the Maritsa Vegetable Crops Research Institute, Plovdiv, to determine the biological activity of the product Nemguard and the microbioagent Trichoderma asperellum Bulgarian strain T6, as well as the combination between them against root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in cucumber varieties Defense F1 and Kiara grown in greenhouses. The combined application of Nemguard + Trichoderma asperellum strain T6 according to the scheme is distinguished by the best effectiveness against root-knot nematodes, the best biometric indicators and yield of cucumbers in greenhouse conditions.