author(s)
SS Bhati, BL Baheti and RN Kumhar

abstract
Bitter gourd is very important and healthy vegetable worldwide. Pest problems related to the production of bitter gourd is greatly affected by several biotic factors i.e. fungi, bacteria, insect pests and nematodes. The plant parasitic nematode, root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is the most widely distributed and the destructive nematode. Because of its worldwide distribution, extensive host range and destructive nature, it is considered as one of the major limiting factor in the production of vegetable crops. Biological nematode control in relation to crop production system is a subject of considerable current interest, because of a perceived urgency to develop and adopt safe, economic and efficient method for managing nematode pest of crops. Bio-agents viz., Paecilomyces lilacinus, Pochonia chlamydosporia and Glomus fasiculatum were tested as seed treatment @ 6 and 12 g/kg for the management of root-knot nematode, M. incognita on bitter gourd. A standard (Trichoderma viride at 12 g/kg seed) and untreated check was also maintained for comparison. The results of experiment showed that Paecilomyces lilacinus at 12 g/kg seed was found most effective followed by Pochonia chlamydosporia at 12 g/kg seed and Glomus fasiculatum at 12 g/kg seed to enhancing plant growth of bitter gourd and to reduce the infection of M. incognita. Seed treatment with Trichoderma viride at 12 g/kg seed was found most effective to enhanced plant growth of bitter gourd and management of M. incognita.