MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

The Impact of Sugar Beet Seed Pelletization on the Proliferation of Nematophagous Fungi

Summary

Sugar beet seeds are often coated with protective chemicals to improve planting. This study found that these chemical coatings significantly inhibit the growth of beneficial fungi that naturally attack plant-damaging nematodes. While these fungi can still be applied to fields separately as a biological pest control, they should not be added directly to the seed coating because the chemicals would kill them. Farmers could use a combination approach by applying the fungi to soil separately while using treated seeds.

Background

Seed pelletization is a common agricultural practice that incorporates pesticides and fertilizers to improve sowing conditions. However, the effects of these substances on beneficial soil microorganisms, particularly nematophagous fungi used for biological control, remain largely unstudied.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of pelleted sugar beet seeds and the substances they release on the growth of four species of nematophagous fungi that could be used for biological nematode control in sugar beet cultivation.

Results

Pleurotus ostreatus was most sensitive to pelleted seeds with growth inhibition of 42.84-94.33%. Stropharia rugosoannulata and Orbilia oligospora showed statistically significant but less pronounced inhibition (10.58-61.22%). Clonostachys rosea exhibited the lowest inhibition (0.65-20.41%). Seed coat extracts showed lower inhibitory effects, with more diluted concentrations sometimes stimulating fungal growth.

Conclusion

Nematophagous fungi inoculum can be applied as a supplement during sugar beet sowing, but should not be incorporated into seed coatings due to direct contact with fungicides. Selection of strain-specific nematophagous fungi tolerant to seed pelletization substances could improve biological nematode management while promoting soil microbial diversity.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/microorganisms13081936
Scroll to Top