Several species of root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus) are considered serious pests of grain crops in Australia. Two species, P. neglectus and P. thornei, are target species for this research as they are prevalent and of economic importance, causing up to $102 M per year. Currently, management relies on use of resistant crops and varieties and biological control could have an important role to provide more flexible management strategies. The programme is a collaboration between organisations in New Zealand and Australia and is funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation of Australia. Trichoderma strains have been extensively studied for their biocontrol potential and the aim of this research is to develop a commercial bionematicide based on Trichoderma for the control of root lesion nematode when applied as a seed treatment. Over 100 Trichoderma strains have been evaluated for their rhizosphere competence and their ability to suppress nematode populations in wheat roots in a greenhouse screening assay, and greenhouse and outdoor pot trials in both New Zealand and Australia. Rhizosphere competence varied considerably between Trichoderma strains and species. The most consistently rhizosphere competent species on wheat roots were T. hamatum and T. harzianum. Suppression of live nematode numbers in the roots was up to a 65% reduction in the New Zealand greenhouse assay which compared to 55-77% for Vydate. Trichoderma treatments resulted in a 65% reduction in nematode numbers in the roots in a New Zealand greenhouse assay compared to 55-57% for Vydate. In pot trials in Australia, some Trichoderma strains significantly reduced nematode levels and increased wheat root biomass. A selection of strains is currently being evaluated in field trials in Australia. Results from the greenhouse bioassay, pot and field trials will be presented
