| Summary: | Root-knot nematodes (RKN), <i>Meloidogyne</i> sp. hinders functioning of crops and causes global losses in terms of productivity and yield. <i>Meloidogyne</i> sp. are microscopic, obligatory endoparasites with ubiquitous distribution in different parts of the world. Taking into consideration these aspects, the present study was conducted to explore nematicidal activity of the <i>Streptomyces hydrogenans</i> strain DH-16 against <i>M. incognita</i> to regulate its pathogenicity in plants. In-vitro experimentation revealed that pretreated seeds with solvent and culture supernatant lowered root galls in infested plants and promoted growth of <i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> seedlings, revealed through the morphological analysis. Additionally, antioxidative defense responses were induced with microbes. However, oxidative stress markers were considerably reduced after microbial inoculations. Apart from this, secondary metabolites were assessed and modulated in RKN infested plants on microbial supplementations. Confocal studies evaluated glutathione accumulation within root apices and its enhancement was directly proportional to defense responses. Therefore, the current study concluded the role of <i>S. hydrogenans</i> in stimulating antioxidant potential against RKN along with growth promoting aids. Thus, the outcome of the current study endorses that metabolites produced by <i>S. hydrogenans</i> can be used as safe biocontrol agents against <i>M. incognita</i> and also as plant growth promoting agents.
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