LAUSR

Abstract Management of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) is too difficult and is mainly based on chemicals. Synthetic nematicides contaminate the environment and endanger the human health, so scientists have been tried to find a new alternative safe method for nematode control. Activating plant immunity system in integration with biological control seems promising. Here, we tried to control Meloidogyne javanica on tomato plants by simultaneous application of jasmonic acid (JA), as a defence inducer, and Purpureocillium lilacinum (Pl) as a biocontrol agent. A factorial experiment was devised with two main factors each in four levels. The concentration of JA and Pl was 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM and 0, 103, 106, and 109 spore ml−1 suspension, respectively. Cadusafos was used as positive control. Tomato growth characteristic as well as nematode reproduction traits were evaluated 8 weeks after being grown in a greenhouse. The data were analysed by a custom response surface regression model. Increase in concentration of main factors led to increase in plant growth and decrease in nematode reproduction. JA at 1.5 mM concentration could control nematode the same as cadusafos regardless to fungus concentration. Simultaneous application of JA and Pl reciprocally increase the effect of each factor. The lowest concentration of P. lilacinum and JA for achieving the compromise best plant growth and lowest nematode reproduction were 1.5 mM JA and 40.51 × 106 conidia of P. lilacinum ml−1 suspension.