Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) exert antagonistic activity against root-knot nematodes, mainly by producing organic acids via carbohydrate fermentation. However, they have not yet been used for root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) control owing to a lack of economic feasibility and effectiveness. In this study, we aimed to isolate organic acid-producing LAB from kimchi (Korean traditional fermented cabbage) and evaluated their nematicidal activity. Among the 234 strains isolated, those showing the highest nematicidal activity were selected and identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WiKim0090. Nematicidal activity and egg hatch inhibitory activity of WiKim0090 culture filtrate were dose dependent. Nematode mortality 3 days after treatment with 2.5% of the culture filtrate was 100%, with a 50% lethal concentration of 1.41%. In pot tests, the inhibitory activity of an L. plantarum WiKim0090-copper sulfate mixture on gall formation increased. Compared to abamectin application, which is a commercial nematicide, a higher control value was observed using the WiKim0090-copper sulfate mixture, indicating that this combination can be effective in controlling the root-knot nematode.
Keywords: Lactic acid bacteria; Meloidogyne incognita; copper sulfate; nematicidal activity; root-knot nematode.