Search Results (23)

Systemic biologicals have emerged as a disruptive technology for overcoming the limitations of conventional biologicals. The effectiveness of systemic and conventional biological products in improving the growth and yield of two carrot cultivars was compared. Carrot plants were inoculated with either systemic or conventional biofertilizers and nematicides, and various growth parameters and yields were compared. As expected, the first indicator of the proper functioning of the systemic biofertilizer was increased chlorophyll content (two-variety averages: systemic = 17.1, conventional = 11.8, control = 10.9 mg g⁻¹ FW). The results indicated the superior performance of the systemic biologicals in carrot production. The two-variety average yield increased by 11.92 t ha⁻¹ (32%) in plants inoculated with systemic biologicals compared with the control plants and by 6.62 t ha⁻¹ (15.4%) compared with plants inoculated with conventional products (p ≤ 0.05). For the biological nematicides, the two-variety average damage rate was 10.15% in plants treated with the systemic bionematicide, 21.15% in plants treated with the conventional bionematicide, and 31.6% in non-inoculated plants. Analyses revealed the presence of microorganisms in plants inoculated with systemic biologicals, although beneficial fungi were detected at relatively low levels. In conclusion, systemic products offer a more robust and consistent technology for improving crop health and yield and are considered the next generation of biologicals. Full article

Farmers worldwide use agrochemicals and biological inputs to fertilize fields, manage pests and diseases, and promote plant growth. However, there is still limited field-based evidence on the extent to which biological inputs function as substitutes, incremental complements, or alternatives to agrochemicals in key farming practices. This study presents preliminary results on the use of synthetic and biological inputs for the most common practices employed by large soybean farmers in central Brazil. We combined literature review, regulatory data on registered biological products, and in-person interviews with farmers and market experts. Our results show that, in most practices, biological products are adopted alongside the continued use of synthetic inputs, in some cases reducing the frequency or dosage of chemical applications. Inoculants based on nitrogen-fixing bacteria already substitute mineral nitrogen fertilization in soybean, while biosolubilizers and plant activators are used incrementally to enhance the efficiency of chemical fertilizers. Bioinsecticides and biofungicides are predominantly employed as alternatives within spray programs, especially in preventive or early interventions, thereby reducing the number of conventional pesticide sprays. Bionematicides emerge as the main biological tools used as substitutes for synthetic nematicides in preventive treatments, whereas biological herbicides are not yet available on the market. Field evidence presented in this study showed that farmers adopt biological products in diverse ways, including as substitutes, incremental, or alternatives to chemical products, depending on the technologies available. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding than the common views that, on one hand, biological inputs simply complement rather than substitute chemical products, and on the other, that biological solutions can fully substitute synthetic products. As environmental and economic implications, we conclude that biological inputs can underpin trajectories towards more regenerative management in large-scale soybean systems, even when synthetic inputs remain part of the production matrix. Full article

To date, searching for bionematicidals is essential. In the absence of nematicides, “Basic Substances” are gaining ground since they are cost-effective, do not mandate an expiration date and have no inherent capacity to cause endocrine-disrupting neurotoxic or immunotoxic effects. Most “Basic Substances” are authorized for the control of phytoparasitic fungi and insects, whereas nematicidals are yet to be available. In this study, we employed “Basic Substances” and in particular, beer, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride, together with rose aromatotherapy by-products, on nematicidal bioassays against Meloidogyne incognita. We report that chemical composition analysis of the nematicidal rose extracts correlates with bioactivity. Paralysis-based bioassays were used as primary criteria to assess efficacy, specifically targeting second-stage juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita. The evaluated treatments were assessed after one day, two days, and three days of J2 immersion in test solutions. According to our results, the “Basic Substances” demonstrated a significant paralysis effect on J2, thus indicating, for the first time, the considerable significance of their authorization to the root knot nematodes. Similarly, the rose extracts were found to be nematicidal, and since they are foodstuffs, and thus nonconcern compounds, “Basic Substances” can be developed as aromatherapy by-products in the frame of a circular economy. Full article

Agricultural bio-inputs represent one of the primary alternatives for reducing the use of agrochemicals, as biological engineering offers promising solutions through the use of microorganisms for biological control of pests and diseases, and also reducing the use of fertilizers, using microorganisms that fix biological nitrogen and solubilize nutrients. This study identifies the biological solutions currently available on the market for the main agricultural practices employed in soybean farming, which is the leading agricultural commodity produced in Brazil. Additionally, the study evaluates the adoption levels of these biological alternatives among a sample of 72 farmers from two regions surrounding the city of Brasilia, Brazil. The data were collected from official databases and field surveys conducted with soybean farmers. The findings revealed that 1325 biological technologies are already available in Brazil for nine of the ten main agricultural practices used in soybean farming. Adoption rates among farmers were 41.7% for phosphorus biosolubilizers, 50% for Bacillus thuringiensis and 44.4% for baculoviruses, both used as bioinsecticides, reaching up to 88.9% for bionematicides. Notably, there were significant differences in adoption levels between the two regions analyzed. This study revealed that 82.8% of companies with registered biological products in Brazil were predominantly Brazilian-owned by December 2024, showing that bio-input technology is available, with capital for investment and support for innovation. Bio-inputs already constitute a viable pathway toward more sustainable soybean farming and represent a strategic sector for the advancement of sustainable bioresource engineering in Brazil. Full article

Trichoderma afroharzianum is increasingly used in commercial bioformulations for plant disease management in Brazil, yet information about its compatibility with agricultural inputs remains scarce. This study evaluated the in vitro interactions between four Brazilian strains of T. afroharzianum and 32 inputs from different classes, including fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and microbial products. Mycelial growth and conidial germination were analyzed to identify potential incompatibilities that could compromise the fungus’s performance in combined applications. In the first bioassay, 16 products inhibited mycelial growth by more than 67%. In the second, which simulated spray solution contact, most products (12 out of 16) did not significantly affect conidial germination (>76%). However, the bionematicide based on Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and the fungicide Picoxystrobin + Benzovindiflupyr reduced germination to below 9% and 14%, respectively. Fungicides containing Picoxystrobin + Prothioconazole and Trifloxystrobin + Tebuconazole showed strain-dependent inhibition. These results provide the first detailed assessment of the compatibility of Brazilian T. afroharzianum strains with a broad range of agricultural inputs and can support safer use of biocontrol agents in integrated and sustainable crop protection strategies. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to synthetic nematicides has driven interest in naturally derived compounds with selective activity against plant-parasitic nematodes. In this study, we evaluated the bionematicidal potential of undecanoic acid, a naturally occurring medium-chain (C11) fatty acid, against two economically important root-knot nematodes: Meloidogyne ethiopica and M. graminicola. Direct contact bioassays demonstrated 100% mortality of both species within 24 h of exposure to a 1 mg/mL concentration, confirming strong and rapid nematicidal activity. In contrast, exposure of a non-target, the free-living soil nematode Cephalobus sp., resulted in only ca. 20% mortality, suggesting a favorable degree of selectivity toward phytoparasites. Additionally, environmental fate modeling indicated a predicted distribution of this compound of ca. 69% in soil, 28% in water, and 3% in air environmental compartments, consistent with its use as a soil-applied agent, while highlighting the need for environmental risk assessment under field conditions. As a naturally sourced compound, undecanoic acid offers advantages over synthetic nematicides, not only due to its biodegradability and potential reduced environmental impact, but also its lower cost compared to commercial pesticide active ingredients. The selective toxicity of undecanoic acid makes it a favorable candidate for integrated pest management programs, particularly in low-input or organic systems. These results underscore the potential of this naturally occurring fatty acid as an effective and sustainable tool for nematode control. Further studies on formulation optimization, persistence, and field efficacy will be needed to fully realize its application in agricultural systems. Full article

Industrial bio-inputs can improve commodity farming by replacing the use of agrochemicals. To assess the potential of agricultural bio-inputs to contribute to Brazil’s agro-industrial growth, we analyzed the market share held by domestic companies and the local market created by farmers who adopt bio-inputs. The results revealed that Brazilian companies accounted for 82.8% of the 221 companies with agricultural bio-inputs registered in Brazil by 2024. These domestic companies used technologies available to local investors and developed in collaboration with public innovation centers. Adoption levels among interviewed farmers ranged from 41.7% for biosolubilizers to 88.9% for bionematicides, revealing a large domestic market potential for bio-inputs in Brazil. We conclude that industrial agricultural bio-inputs represent an area of opportunity for Brazilian neo-industrialization based on local competitive advantages, low entry barriers, and domestic and foreign investments that can benefit from the local market for bio-inputs. Full article

Considerable losses are inflicted by plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) due to their obligate parasitism; serious damage occurs in many susceptible crops, and the parasites have a broad distribution worldwide. As most PPNs have a subterranean nature, the complexity of soils in the plant rhizosphere and the structures and functions of the soil food webs necessitate a grasp of the relevant biotic/abiotic factors in order to ensure their effective control. Such factors frequently lead to the inconsistent performance and untapped activity of applied bionematicides, hindering efforts to develop reliable ones. Research efforts that take these factors into account to back the usage of these bionematicides by combining the disease-suppressive activities of two or more agricultural inputs are highlighted herein. These combinations should be designed to boost useful colonization in the rhizosphere, persistent expression of desirable traits under a wide range of soil settings, and/or antagonism to a larger number of plant pests/pathogens relative to individual applications. Relevant ecological/biological bases with specific settings for effective PPN management are exemplified. Determining the relative sensitivity or incompatibility of some biologicals entails studying their combinations and reactions. Such studies, as suggested herein, should be conducted on a case-by-case basis to avoid unsatisfactory outputs. These studies will enable us to accurately define certain outputs, namely, the synergistic, additive, neutral, and antagonistic interactions among the inputs. In optimizing the efficiencies of these inputs, researchers should consider their multi-functionality and metabolic complementarity. Despite previous research, the market currently lacks these types of safe and effective products. Hence, further explorations of novel integrated pest management plans that boost synergy and coverage to control multiple pathogens/pests on a single crop are required. Also, setting economic incentives and utilizing a standardized regulation that examines the authentic risks of biopesticides are still called for in order to ease cost-effective formulation, registration, farmer awareness, and usage worldwide. On the other hand, tank mixing that ensures legality and avoids physical and chemical agro-input-based incompatibilities can also provide superior merits. The end in view is the unraveling of the complexities of interactions engaged with in applying multiple inputs to develop soundly formulated, safe, and effective pesticides. Sophisticated techniques should be incorporated to overcome such complexities/limitations. These techniques would engage microencapsulation, nanopesticides, volatile organic compounds as signals for soil inhabitants, bioinformatics, and RNA-Seq in pesticide development. Full article

The aim of the present research is the isolation and morphological and molecular–phenological identification of nematophagous fungi of Southern Kazakhstan for the production of effective bionematicides on their basis. Nematophagous fungi, which include nematode-trapping, ovicidal, endoparasitic, toxin-producing, and special substance-producing fungi, are among the most effective biological agents in controlling phytoparasitic nematodes. To isolate and characterize nematophagous fungi, soil samples were collected at 12 sites in three regions of Southern Kazakhstan. The samples were collected using the envelope method. The content of nematophagous fungi in the samples was determined using the standard surface sowing technique. The obtained strains of nematophagous fungi were identified. The attractive and nematophagous activity of the obtained fungal strains was determined by using standard methods. In experiments on the isolation and morphological identification of nematophagous fungi, the nematode species Meloidogyne incognita was used. Identification of the strains was carried out by the method of determining the direct nucleotide sequence of the region of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer, followed by determination of nucleotide identity with sequences deposited in the international GeneBank database. As a result, the following species of nematophagous fungi living in the soils of agricultural lands in Southern Kazakhstan were identified: Orbilia oligospora, Duddingtonia flagrans, Orbilia oligospora, and Arthrobotrys superba. Full article

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) reduce the high profitability of many crops and degrade their quantitative and qualitative yields globally. Traditional nematicides and other nematode control methods are being used against PPNs. However, stakeholders are searching for more sustainable and effective alternatives with limited side effects on the environment and mankind to face increased food demand, unfavorable climate change, and using unhealthy nematicides. This review focuses on upgrading the pre-procedures of PPN control as well as novel measures for their effective and durable management strategies on economically important crops. Sound and effective sampling, extraction, identification, and counting methods of PPNs and their related microorganisms, in addition to perfecting designation of nematode–host susceptibility/resistance, form the bases for these strategies. Therefore, their related frontiers should be expanded to synthesize innovative integrated solutions for these strategies. The latter involve supplanting unsafe nematicides with a new generation of safe and reliable chemical nematicidal and bionematicidal alternatives. For better efficacy, nematicidal materials and techniques should be further developed via computer-aided nematicide design. Bioinformatics devices can reinforce the potential of safe and effective biocontrol agents (BCAs) and their active components. They can delineate the interactions of bionematicides with their targeted PPN species and tackle complex diseases. Also, the functional plan of nematicides based on a blueprint of the intended goals should be further explored. Such goals can currently engage succinate dehydrogenase, acetylcholinesterase, and chitin deacetylase. Nonetheless, other biochemical compounds as novel targets for nematicides should be earnestly sought. Commonly used nematicides should be further tested for synergistic or additive function and be optimized via novel sequential, dual-purpose, and co-application of agricultural inputs, especially in integrated pest management schemes. Future directions and research priorities should address this novelty. Meanwhile, emerging bioactivated nematicides that offer reliability and nematode selectivity should be advanced for their favorable large-scale synthesis. Recent technological means should intervene to prevail over nematicide-related limitations. Nanoencapsulation can challenge production costs, effectiveness, and manufacturing defects of some nematicides. Recent progress in studying molecular plant–nematode interaction mechanisms can be further exploited for novel PPN control given related topics such as interfering RNA techniques, RNA-Seq in BCA development, and targeted genome editing. A few recent materials/techniques for control of PPNs in durable agroecosystems via decision support tools and decision support systems are addressed. The capability and effectiveness of nematicide operation harmony should be optimized via employing proper cooperative mechanisms among all partners. Full article

The management of plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) still relies on traditional nematicides that threaten the environment and human health. Novel solutions are urgently needed for PPN pest management that are effective while safeguarding non-target organisms. Volatile phytochemicals belong to a structurally diverse group of bioactive metabolites that are believed to hold safer environmental characteristics than synthetic pesticides. Nonetheless, not many studies have analysed the potential environmental benefits of shifting to these novel bionematicides. In the present study, 20 phytochemical volatiles with reported nematicidal activity were compared to traditional pesticides using specific parameters of environmental and human health safety available on applied online databases and predicted in silico through specialised software. Overall, the reviewed nematicidal phytochemicals were reportedly less toxic than synthetic nematicides. They were predicted to disperse to the air and soil environmental compartments and were reported to have a lower toxicity on aquatic organisms. On the contrary, the synthetic nematicides were reportedly toxic to aquatic organisms while showing a predicted high affinity to the water environmental compartment. As alternatives, β-keto or fatty acid derivatives, e.g., aliphatic alcohols or ketones, showed more adequate properties. This study highlights the importance of complementing studies on nematicidal activity with a risk assessment-based analysis to allow for a faster selection of nematicidal phytochemical volatiles and to leverage the development and implementation of bionematicides. Full article

Modern farming is heavily dependent on the frequent application of pesticides that are known to disturb plant, animal, and microbial biodiversity (as well as accumulate in the environment and influence human health). Plant parasitic nematodes are some of the most damaging pathogens to food crops, impacting crop yield twice as much as phytophagous insects. To combat these pests, large amounts of pesticides are added to agricultural soils and eventually leach out to adjacent environments, accumulate in food and feed, and become very toxic. Volatiles produced by plants and microbes have been increasingly analysed for their anti-nematodal activities since they can present very active chemical structures suitable for developing novel biopesticides. The present study reviews the benefits of some of the most active compounds found in the literature in comparison to the most widely used commercial nematicides. By resorting to data retrieved from freely available online databases on their experimental properties, and given the use of certified software for the prediction of their environmental, toxicological, and ecotoxicological impacts, namely the US EPA Estimation Program Interface (EPI) and the Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (TEST), the advantages and disadvantages of using volatiles in the development of bionematicides are discussed. Ultimately, shifting to a more sustainable usage of pesticides and to farming practices that favor biodiversity can be beneficial to crop production. Full article

The Meloidogyne genus is widely recognized for its significant economic and scientific importance within the group of plant-parasitic nematodes. The chemical management of nematodes presents its challenges and heavily depends on employing soil fumigants containing toxic and costly nematicides. However, plant-derived essential oils offer promising alternatives, demonstrating a wide range of biological activities that affect nematodes through a range of mechanisms, including disrupting their nervous systems, inducing detrimental effects on plasma membrane permeability, penetrating the gelatinous matrix of nematode eggs, and disturbing intracellular redox status. Most of the extracted essential oils were predominantly sourced from the Lamiaceae family (32%), followed by Asteraceae (11%), Apiaceae (9%), and Poaceae (8%), and with genera Thymus, Mentha, Ocimum, Artemisia, Cymbopogon being the most common. The nematicidal activity of EOs primarily arises from their chemical groups, such as terpenes, phenylpropanoids, and organosulfur compounds. Among these, geraniol, carvacrol, limonene, eugenol, thymol, and pinene demonstrate the strongest nematicidal potential. The assessed EO efficacy was evaluated against 6 species belonging to the genus Meloidogyne. This review also provides knowledge of synergistic and antagonistic interactions of EO components. Synergistic interactions were identified between carvacrol and geraniol, as well as geraniol and eugenol, whereas binary combinations of carvacrol, γ-terpinene, and o-cymene exhibited reduced efficacy. Understanding how specific compounds interact can lead to the development of more potent and effective final products. Full article

This research was designed to investigate the metabolite profiling, phenolics, and flavonoids content as well as the potential nematicidal properties of decoction (ZpDe), orange-yellow resin (ZpRe) and essential oil (ZpEO) from Argentinean medicinal plant Zuccagnia punctata Cav. Additionally, the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of ZpDe and ZpEO were determined. Metabolite profiling was obtained by an ultrahigh-resolution liquid chromatography MS analysis (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF/OT-MS-MS) and GCMS. The nematicidal activity was assayed by a standardized method against Meloidogyne incognita. The antioxidant properties were screened by four methods: (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity assay (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (ILP). The antibacterial activity was evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) rules. The ZpDe, ZpRe and ZpEO displayed a strong nematicidal activity with an LC₅₀ of 0.208, 0.017 and 0.142 mg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, the ZpDe showed a strong DPPH scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 28.54 µg/mL); ILP of 87.75% at 250 µg ZpDe/mL and moderated antimicrobial activity. The ZpEO showed promising activity against a panel of yeasts Candida albicans and non-albicans (ATCC and clinically isolated) with MIC values from 750 to 1500 µg/mL. The ZpDe showed a content of phenolics and flavonoid compounds of 241 mg GAE/g and 10 mg EQ/g, respectively. Fifty phenolic compounds were identified in ZpDe by ultrahigh-resolution liquid chromatography (UHPLC–PDA– Q-TOF-MS) analysis, while forty-six phenolic compounds were identified in ZpRe by UHPLC-ESI-Q-OT-MS-MS and twenty-nine in ZpEO using a GC-MS analysis, updating the knowledge on the chemical profile of this species. The results support and standardize this medicinal plant mainly as a potential environmentally friendly and sustainable bionematicide for the control of Argentinean horticultural crops including tomatoes and peppers and as a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds which could be further explored and exploited for potential applications. Full article

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita is one of the most damaging plant-parasitic nematodes and is responsible for significant crop losses worldwide. Rising human health and environmental concerns have led to the withdrawal of commonly used chemical nematicides. There has been a tremendous demand for eco-friendly bio-nematicides with beneficial properties to the nematode hosting plants, which encourages the need for alternative nematode management practices. The current study was undertaken to determine the nematicidal potential of cotton seed cake (CSC) against second-stage juvenile (J2) hatching, J2 mortality, and J2 penetration of M. incognita in tomato plants in vitro. J2s and egg masses of M. incognita were exposed to four concentrations (250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/L) of CSC extracts. The higher J2 mortality and inhibition of J2 hatching were found at 1000 mg/L, while the least effective result was observed at 250 mg/L of the CSC extract. The CSC extract applied with the concentrations mentioned above also showed inhibition of J2 penetration in tomato roots; 1000 mg/L showed the highest inhibition of penetration, while 250 mg/L displayed the least inhibition. Using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, we identified 11 compounds, out of which 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, and Tetradecanoic acid were found as major compounds. Subsequently, in silico molecular docking was conducted to confirm the nematicidal behavior of CSC based on binding interactions of the above three major compounds with the targeted protein acetylcholine esterase (AChE) of M. incognita. The values of binding free energy are −5.3, −4.5, and −4.9 kcal/mol, observed for 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, and Tetradecanoic acid, respectively, suggesting that 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid binds with the receptor AChE more efficiently than the other two ligands. This study indicates that CSC has nematicidal potential that can be used to control M. incognita for sustainable agriculture. Full article