Induction of resistance to root-knot nematodes in tobacco and tomato varieties through the use of indigenous endophyte species

A survey will be conducted in the major tomato and tobacco producing regions of Zimbabwe. Healthy looking plants will be selected with leaf and root tissues collected for isolation and characterisation of endophytes. Strains with the least pathogenecity to the plants will be picked and their capacity to protect the plant against root-knot nematodes will be assessed. Plant growth promoting properties will also be analysed.