The effect of the introduction time of Trichoderma harzianum into soil on its biocontrol potential against Meloidogyne javanica on tomato plants was evaluated in a greenhouse pot experiment. Seven introduction times (inoculations) of T. harzianum were tested. The fungus was added simultaneously and 5, 10 and 15 days, either before or after the infestation of tomato soil with M. javanica eggs. Plants inoculated with M. javanica alone, T. harzianum alone and non-treated plants served as controls. Results showed that all T. harzianum applications suppressed (P≤ 0.05) M. javanica reproduction and the root damage of the tested tomato plants, while generally increased the tomato growth parameters. The time of the fungus application into soil was found to be very critical. The early applications of the fungus (5, 10 and 15 days before soil infestation with M. javanica) were the most effective.

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