Why is it important

• Environmental Safety: Bionematicides are typically less harmful to non-target organisms, including beneficial soil microbes, insects, and earthworms, compared to synthetic nematicides.

• Soil Health Promotion: Bionematicides can enhance soil biodiversity and ecosystem functioning by promoting the activity of beneficial microorganisms and reducing the negative impact of plant-parasitic nematodes on soil structure and nutrient cycling.

• Resistance Management: Bionematicides employ multiple modes of action against nematodes, reducing the likelihood of resistance development and offering a sustainable long-term solution for nematode control.

How it works

Bionematicides control plant-parasitic nematodes through various mechanisms:

• Predation: Predatory nematodes or fungi feed on plant-parasitic nematodes, reducing their population in the soil.

• Parasitism: Parasitic nematodes or fungi infect and kill plant-parasitic nematodes, either externally or internally, through the release of toxins or enzymes.

• Antagonism: Beneficial microorganisms compete with plant-parasitic nematodes for resources or space, inhibiting their growth and reproduction.

• Induced Resistance: Bionematicides can trigger systemic resistance in plants, enhancing their natural defense mechanisms against nematode infections.

Integrated Nematode Management Strategies

Bionematicides are often integrated into holistic nematode management strategies, which may include crop rotation, soil amendments, resistant cultivars, and cultural practices such as trap cropping or mulching. This integrated approach maximizes the efficacy of bio-nematicides while minimizing environmental risks and promoting sustainable soil management practices.