The effect of commercial biocontrol products viz. Nemakill, Nemaless, Micronema as
well as an Egyptian entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) strain of Heterorhabditis
bacteriophora-infective juveniles (IJs) within either cadavers of Galleria mellonella
last instar larvae or EPN-IJs in water suspension, compared to chemical nematicides
of Nema Plus Zero and Oxamyl on Meloidogyne incognita developmental parameters,
strawberry growth and yield and rhizosphere microbial community were determined
in two separated field experiments. Six months after strawberry transplanting, 30-88%
reduction in nematode juveniles (J2) in soil was achieved by Nemakill, Nemaless and
Micronema, while reduction range was 37-64% by EPNs compared to 64-73%, by
chemicals. The commercial products followed by EPNs significantly reduced the
numbers of M. incognita-J2, galls, and egg masses in strawberry roots. All treatments
enhanced strawberry growth and yield parameters. Nemakill followed by EPNs in
water and within insect gave best fruit yield of strawberry cv. Festival. Nemaless
followed by Nemakill and Micronema gave best fruit yield of strawberry cv. Fertona.
Effect of tested treatments on rhizosphere microbial community and mycoflora
frequency in treated strawberry plants was presented and discussed.