In a young and productive district of Sanford, Florida is tomato farmer Jake Henderson, now he is waging a one-man war against an unwelcome villager- root-knot nematode. These are microorganisms that have been causing havoc in his fields for so many years that they have left his plants with roots that look like twists, and not only this, but yields are usually very low. To Jake and many other farmers, root-knot nematodes are not unique biological pests but have potential to become significant economic pests. But he has found new hope and therefore includes them as part of his pest management plan; Purpureocillium lilacinum nematode.
The Nematode Challenge
Tomato plants are usually greatly affected by root-knot nematodes known scientifically as Meloidogyne spp. They bore into root tissues, causing galls that affect nutrient and water assimilation processes. The result? Small and deformed plants, low production, and remarkable reduction of revenues. Traditional chemical nematicids do not seem to provide economical solutions that are environmentally sustainable for farmers such as Jake.
The Biology of Purpureocillium lilacinum
In the soil, Purpureocillium lilacinum is the nematophagous fungus that transforms nematode pest management by utilizing the bacteria. The fungus parasitises the eggs and young stages of the nematodes and impairs development thereby controlling their numbers. It is not a chemical solution and reversible safe for beneficial soil organisms and is environmentally sustainable.
NEMA PRO and NEMA PROMAX should be entered
Since the discovery of the benefits of using Purpureocillium lilacinum, Novobac has come up with two innovative soft-ware products namely NEMA PRO and NEMA PROMAX that are used in control of nematodes while at the same time enhancing a healthier soil structure.
- NEMA PRO: This bionematicide use a fungus called Purpureocillium lilacinum to combat root-knot nematodes notably. For the best outcomes, it is applied in tomatoes and other crops, relaying a proper root health and vigor.
- NEMA PROMAX: As a result, nematicide insecticide​ has a broader range of action and it not only acts as a control agent for nematodes but also introduces desirable microbes to the soil life. This makes it possible to apply it using drop irrigation systems since it is in a liquid form.
Jake’s Turnaround Story
Jake, who was his tomato plants, finally realized that he had a serious nematode challenge when his plants started wilting in what could be described as a well watered area. An investigation using a soil sample displayed that the disease was caused by root-knot nematodes. Tired of chemical treatments that seemed to provide less and less results, he approached Novobac’s NEMA PRO.
When Jake applied NEMA PRO to his fields, changes were noticed throughout one season. This was done through a related application integrated into his drip irrigation system to effectively target nematodes at root level. The results were remarkable: tomatoes he grew developed stronger roots, were less stressed and produced better yields compared to his previous attempts.
For this reason, based on the success that has been made, Jake included NEMA PROMAX as part of a long-term strategy of managing soil. The biological and chemical integrated system did not only reduce nematodes but also revitalized the soil for other seasons of production.
Lessons for Other Farmers
This paper highlights Jake’s experience as a sign of how pest management should go and the role of biological control such as the use of fungi-Purpureocillium lilacinum. For farmers dealing with tomato root nematodes, here are key takeaways:
- Diagnose the Problem: End soil tests to establish presence and distribution of nematodes and to know which species to blame on crop damage.
- Adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Integrate biol controls like NEMA PRO and NEMA PROMAX with practices like the crop rotation, using cover crops and adding organics.
- Apply Correctly: Haphazard distribution and uptake procedures of NEMA PRO and NEMA PROMAX should strictly be done according to label directions.
- Monitor Progress: As with all plants, check the health status and population density of parasites, including nematodes to adjust management plans accordingly.
Sustainable Production of Tomatoes
To Jake and other farmers yet to embrace the products, nematode pest control and NEMA PROMAX go beyond pest control, signifying a natural solutions-based approach to farmer wealth creation. Employing the efforts of Purpureocillium lilacinum, farmers can now control root-knot nematodes without risking the health of the soil, polluting the environment.
According to Jake, “It has now become much simpler to switch to biological solutions like the NEMA PRO.
