Aims: The aim of the present investigation was to determine the influence of nutrients on the nematicidal activity by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain IE‐6S+ and Ps. fluorescens strain CHA0 in vitro.
Methods and Results: Culture filtrate of IE‐6S+ and CHA0 obtained from chemically defined medium caused mortality of Meloidogyne javanica juveniles in vitro and that growth medium amended with various C, N or inorganic phosphate (Pi) sources markedly influenced nematicidal activity of the two bacteria. Glycerol (C source), propionate (fatty acid precursor) and l‐lysine (N source) enhanced nematicidal activity while glucose (C), l‐valine (N) and Pi substantially repressed nematicidal activity of the two bacteria.
Conclusion: Liquid culture amendments with various C, N or Pi sources modulate the biosynthesis of nematicidal agents to a different extent in vitro.
Significance and Impact of the Study: Developing bacterial strains more responsive to certain environmental signals can be exploited for increased secondary metabolite production in pharmaceutical fermentations and offers new avenues to improve biocontrol.