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The efficiency ofTrichoderma harzianum(MIAU 145 C) in promoting kidney bean (cv. Goli) growth in different soil texture (sandy loam, loam and clay loam) and organic matter content (0.5 and 2% of leaf litter) was assessed in a factorial experiment in the absence ofMeloidogyne javanica. In another factorial experiment, the effect of soil texture, soil organic content and control measure (no control, 10 ml ofT. harzianumcontaining 106spore ml−1and 2 mg ai cadusafos kg−1soil) was determined on nematode-infected kidney bean’s growth, fungus controlling activity andM. javanicareproduction. Except for the shoot length, the fungus improved plant growth. Clay loam was not a proper soil type for the cultivation of kidney bean plants (even in the soil without nematode), but the plant grew better in sandy loam and loam soil. The presence of leaf litter in the soil enhanced plant growth, increased fungal efficiency and increased nematode reproduction. It seems thatT. harzianumcan activate the plant defence system in sandy loam soil.T. harzianumwas more effective in sandy loam or loam soil containing 2% organic matter (leaf litter) and reduced the reproduction factor of the nematode in the tested soil textures equally to the chemical nematicide treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]