The horticulture industry loses many perennial plants to disease caused by root-knot nematode infestations. No effective pesticides are available due to their toxicity, both to humans and the plants themselves. This project examines the efficacy of Pasteuria penetrans, a naturally-occurring parasite of nematodes, for control of a mixed infestation of two types of root-knot nematodes in potted gardenias. OBJECTIVES: The object of this proposal is to assess the feasibility of the use of one strain of Pasteuria penetrans to control multiple types of root-knot nematodes that may attack woody ornamentals in greenhouse or field production. Commercial production of nematode control products for the greenhouse and containerized plants industries will depend on understanding the efficacy of control on existing infestations. This data will directly inform further research on additional strains of Pasteuria and determine the feasibility of developing a single strain to control most types of root-knot nematode. APPROACH: Potted gardenias with existing root-knot nematode infestations of both M. arenaria and M. incognita will be treated with P. penetrans endospores produced in axenic culture, using benchtop submerged fermentation and Pasteuria Bioscience proprietary methods. Treatments will be established in a randomized block design. The relative level of control of the two different Meloidogyne species will be assessed by species identification of individual nematodes via enzyme phenotypes and 2-D protein gel electrophoresis. Overall control of the infestation by P. penetrans will be determined by plant health, root galling, and nematode egg production
