How does Trichoderma control root knot nematodes?
Real IPM Trichoderma is Registered in Kenya and Ethiopia for the control of root knot nematode. Its probable mode of action is the excretion of a chitinase enzyme, which destroys the egg masses of nematodes on the outside of the plant roots.
A root gall contains one large single female nematode. She extrudes eggs masses on the outside of the root and then dies. The gall will not disappear and remains as historical evidence of rkn presence. If Trichoderma is applied regularly with the irrigation water, the number of new galls should decrease.