Biological control of M. javanica in tomato and induction of host resistance using Bacillus cereus in vitro, green house and field

•B. cereus was used for biological management of Meloidogyne javanica in tomato crop.•B. cereus successfully colonized tomato roots and made biofilm.•B. cereus induced host resistance against M. javanica.•B. cereus successfully controlled M. javanica in pots and field.