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Recent Advances in the Development of Environmentally Benign Treatments to Control Root-Knot Nematodes

Summary

This research reviews environmentally-friendly ways to control root-knot nematodes, which are microscopic worms that damage crop roots and cause billions in agricultural losses. The study examines natural alternatives to harmful chemical pesticides, including beneficial microorganisms, plant extracts, and soil treatments. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps farmers protect crops using safer, natural methods instead of toxic chemicals • Supports development of more sustainable agricultural practices • Contributes to safer food production with fewer chemical residues • Helps protect beneficial soil organisms and overall environmental health • Could lead to reduced food costs by preventing crop losses

Background

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), Meloidogyne spp., are sedentary endoparasites that negatively affect almost every crop globally, causing estimated annual yield losses over $100 billion worldwide. Current management practices and chemical controls are becoming increasingly limited, creating an urgent need for additional environmentally-friendly control strategies.

Objective

This review aims to discuss and analyze recent findings on environmentally benign treatments for controlling root-knot nematodes between 2015 and April 2020, including biological control strategies, natural compounds, soil amendments and other emerging approaches.

Results

Multiple biological control strategies showed promise, including various Bacillus species, Pasteuria penetrans, and fungal agents like Pochonia chlamydosporia. Natural compounds such as essential oils, plant extracts, and organic acids demonstrated significant nematicidal activity. Soil treatments including solarization, ozonated water, and industrial waste products also showed effectiveness in RKN control. Many treatments achieved 50-100% reduction in RKN populations under experimental conditions.

Conclusion

While environmentally benign methods currently may not fully match traditional chemical treatments, they show significant promise especially when used in integrated approaches. Future research should focus on developing multidisciplinary strategies combining different control methods, studying synergistic effects between treatments, and evaluating impacts on non-target organisms. Consideration must also be given to economic feasibility and practical implementation at farm scale.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01125
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