Being a long-term gardener and potato farmer, I have encountered numerous difficulties, yet none of them are as troublesome and harmful as root-knot nematodes. These tiny pests attack the roots of potato plants resulting in galls, stunted growth, and huge loss of yield. I have come to realize over the years that conventional chemical nematicides are not only environmentally harmful but also becoming less effective because of the development of resistance.
This is when I resorted to Paecilomyces lilacinus, a natural fungal bioagent which has changed my attitude to the control of nematodes and allowed me to obtain healthier and nematode-free potato crops. In this blog, I will give my ideas about the application of Nema pro in a combination of cultural practices and professional recommendations and the use of innovative bio-products of Novobac.
Learning about the Root-Knot Nematode Issue in Potatoes
One of the most devastating pests on potato crops in the world is the root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne species). They enter into the root system and lead to the development of galls or knots which interfere with the uptake of water and nutrients.
This causes wilting, yellowing of leaves and poor development of the tubers. The life cycle of the nematodes flourishes in warm and moist soils and when they are in place, they are capable of multiplying very fast and destroying whole fields.
These pests have been controlled using chemical nematicides that have been overused causing environmental degradation, damage to beneficial soil organisms and development of nematode resistance. The organic and sustainable farming systems need safer and more effective alternatives, and this is where Paecilomyces lilacinus comes in as a potent root knot nematode biological control agent.
Bionematicide activity of Paecilomyces lilacinus
Nema pro containing paecilomyces lilacinus is a naturally occurring fungus and parasitizes nematode eggs and juveniles. It enters the eggshell, grows inside and kills the developing nematodes before they have a chance to hatch and infect the plant roots. Also, this fungus occupies the root zone, forming a protective layer that does not allow new nematode infections and activates the natural defense of the plant.
University research and scientific studies have shown that Nema pro can suppress nematode populations by as much as 80 percent, and at the same time increase crop yields by increasing the health of roots and nutrient uptake.
As compared to synthetic nematodes that control pesticides, this biofungicide promotes soil biodiversity and long term soil fertility, and is therefore a good option in sustainable potato production.
Novobac’s Nema Pro Nematicide: A Grower’s Trusted Solution
The most effective product that I have ever used is the Nema Pro organismos nematodos produced by Novobac that has a high concentration of viable spores that are meant to provide specific nematode control. The use is simple, the product is combined with water and used as a soil drench prior to planting and throughout the growing season to ensure continued protection.
The active ingredient of Nema Pro: Paecilomyces lilacinus colonizes the root zone of the potato very quickly and attacks the eggs and juveniles of the nematodes and does not allow them to develop. This results in healthier roots, improved nutrient absorption and more vigorous plants. The product is not harmful to beneficial soil organisms, pollinators, and the environment hence, it can be used in organic and integrated pest management systems.
Farmers that have adopted the use of this bio-nematicide in their nematode control strategies have recorded high quality tuber and yield, and a decline in nematode pressure. The lack of chemical residues also implies that their crops are organic certified and that the consumers will get clean, sustainable crops.
Improving Control using Nema ProMax Bio-Nematicide
Nema ProMax by Novobac provides a complementary bio-nematicide solution to fields with severe nematode infestations, or where extra support is required. This is a liquid formulation that comprises Burkholderia bacteria that secrete natural toxins that paralyze the adult nematodes, thus they cannot feed or reproduce.
Nema ProMax product can be applied either in the form of a soil drench or drip irrigated, and it has a fast acting growth suppressive effect against nematodes. It offers powerful integrated management approach when used in rotation or synergist with Paecilomyces lilacinus Nematicide, which disrupts the nematode life cycle at multiple points. The combination enhances overall nematode suppression, plant root health and plant growth.
The introduction of Burkholderia bacteria also boosts soil microbial diversity and plant resilience to add to the advantage of sustainable production of potato.
Combining Cultural Practices with Bio-Nematicides for Optimal Results
Even though bio-nematicides like Paecilomyces lilacinus and Nema ProMax are very effective, their effectiveness is enhanced when it is used along good cultural practices. Nematode life cycle interruption by rotation with non-host plant, e.g. cereals or legumes, reduces the soil population. Soil solarization is a process in which wet soil is covered during the hot months with transparent plastic to raise temperatures of soil to the level that is lethal to the nematode and the egg as well.
Organic matter + compost development in soil condition is propitious towards cultivation of good microorganisms that can compete with nematodes, promote growth of plants. Another strategy to improve the defense of the crop is utilization of nematode resistant varieties of potatoes. Finally, the sanitary measures including removal and decomposition of infected plant material stop the moving of the nematodes to other regions.
The experts in agricultural universities note that accompanied by such cultural applications as Paecilomyces lilacinus biological control will be a very sustainable long-term control of the nematode problems. This integrated pest management method does not only assist in the management of nematodes, it also retains the health and stability of soils.
My Results and Experience
My potato fields have experienced a tremendous turnaround after I adopted this integrated approach of using Novobac bio-nematicides and cultural practices. The root nematode galls were reduced by more than 90%, the plants were more vigorous and healthy and the tuber yields were more than 30% higher. The soil tests showed that the microbial environment was richer and I no longer had to depend on chemical nematicides.
The enhanced quality of my potatoes enabled me to enter into the high-quality markets and the sustainable farming style appealed to the environmentally friendly consumers. This experience proved that Paecilomyces lilacinus is not only a product but an essential tool in sustainable potato production.
Conclusion
Root-knot nematodes can be a serious problem to potato production, yet, with proper tools and practices, growers can defend their crops in an effective and sustainable way. Paecilomyces lilacinus is a natural and proven bionematicide against nematodes that does not affect the environment. When used together with the innovative bio-products of Novobac like Paecilomyces lilacinus Nematicide and Nema ProMax bionematicidas, and combined with cultural controls, potato growers can get high yielding and nematode free crops.
When you want to protect your potato crops and at the same time adopt sustainable agriculture, consider the bio-nematicides offered by Novobac today. There is healthy soil, healthy plants and plenty of potatoes.