Glasshouse experiments were conducted to assess the influence of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum brasilense and composted organic fertilizers (cow dung, horse dung, goat dung and poultry manure) alone and in combination on the multiplication of Meloidogyne incognita and growth of tomato. P. fluorescens was better at improving tomato growth and reducing galling and nematode multiplication than A. chroococcunt or A. brasilense. Among composted organic fertilizers, poultry manure resulted in less galling and nematode multiplication than occurred with goat dung. However, composted goat dung was better in reducing nematode multiplication and improving plant growth than horse dung. Cow dung was the composted organic fertilizer least effective in reducing galling and nematode multiplication. Poultry manure with P. fluorescens was the best combination for the management of M. incognita on tomato but improved management of M. incognita can also be obtained if goat dung is used with P. fluorescens or poultry manure with A. chroococcum. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.