Maize is among the most produced crops worldwide and is used universally in the production of foods and livestock feeds. Nonetheless, the corn growers are confronted with a leading risk, indeed, root-knot nematodes meloidogyne spp, which is a group of microorganisms that are destructive to crops. These nematodes attack the roots of corn plants, shriveled, poorly developed ears, scorched leaves and low yields are sure consequences. Until now, the way to control these pests has been through chemical nematocides, which present a number of environmental and sustainability issues.
Luckily, there is research in biological pest control that has come up recently as a solution. Purpureocillium lilacinum in NemaPro biologicals developed by Novobac has proven very effective in managing root-knot nematodes in corn building up a steady promising trend. I am a farmer and seeing nematodes chew farm produce, NemaPro is one of the best products that is environmentally friendly as compared to chemical control products. Here is how Paecilomyces lilacinus uses to reduces corn crop loss and how the use of this biocontrol method in your farm will be of advantage.
Nematode threat to Corn Crops
Root-knot nematodes are a threat to many crops and corn crops in particular correspond to this group of pests. Pathogenic to plants, these tiny worms lived and bred inside an affected plant’s roots. Their infestation results in formation of galls or knots on the roots and this hampers considerably the plants uptake of water and nutrients. Therefore, as the nematode population increases, the plant becomes more and more compromised, hence a slower yield, and poor quality crops.
As for the root-knot nematode the signs are not very easily noted, but such as planting is stunted and wilts, poor development of fruit or grain. In severe cases, it results in total crop loss and the farmer loses his crop know-how. Chemical control of nematodes has been practiced by the use of synthetic chemical nematocides that although efficient have proven to be deleterious to the environment. The use of these chemicals can cause problems such as deterioration of the soil; water pollution; negative effects on friendly micro-organisms. It becomes quite interesting when we use Paecilomyces lilacinus as a biological control.
Here comes the new source of biocontrol – Purpureocillium lilacinum – the natural occurring fungus. While used in NemaPro, this parasitic fungus, Paecilomyces lilacinus, feeds on the eggs and larvae of the nematodes in soil. This reduces the development of the nematodes to the adulthood stage which destroys the plant roots.
Contrary to chemical nematocides, Purpureocillium lilacinum does not cause harm to the environment as well as useful inhabitants of the soil. It does not destabilise the natural balance of the soil and its use may well be as part of an organic, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system. When farmers apply NemaPro on corn crops they are able to control nematode pest populations but at the same time do not adversely affect the soil ecosystem or any other beneficial organism.
How Nemapro can be used in Corn Cultivation
From the case of corn farmers, having NemaPro as part of the pest management systems is beneficial since it increases their yield and crop output. NemaPro application, in particular, only requires soil root nematode treatment in a very basic manner. This product is applied using water and is applied to the ground surrounding corn plants. After it gets to the soil, its job starts through impacting and eliminating the nematode eggs/ larvae existent in the environment. Consequently, the nematode population is suppressed and root damage is avoided.
What makes NemaPro so effective is its long-lasting. The applied beneficial fungus remains active and eradicates all infecting nematodes and stops further nematode activity in the soil. This is important for the farmers which require long-term methods of dealing with pests that would be effective permanently.
Culture: Your Cultural Practices Understanding of Sustainable Development
However, the use of NemaPro as corn root knot nematodes control is a perfect biological control technique throughout it is more effective when integrated with SIA practices. In my experience, here are a few tips to maximize the benefits of Paecilomyces lilacinus in controlling nematodes:
- Crop Rotation: The use of crop rotations also disrupts the life-cycle; nematodes include planting crops other than corn for a specified time. This helps to remove the possibility of re infestation and at the same time promotes soil health.
- Soil Health: So too is it possible to foster the growth of the specific beneficial fungi such as Purpureocillium lilacinum if the surface soil is in good health. Measures that include application of organic materials and minimizing the use of chemical pesticides improve the efficiency of NemaPro.
- Monitoring and Early Detection: Soil testing and pest identification are effective ways of diagnosing nematode problems because they are continual processes. The moment that the infestation occurs the easier it will be to manage the situation, and in the case with NemaPro it can be applied before much damage is done.
Top 8 Research Articles on Biological Control
This determines why microbial specialists from universities to research laboratories concur that biological control is the direction for future farming. According to John Mason, a scientist specialized in nematode management at a prestigious agricultural university, “Biological control agents like Purpureocillium lilacinum provide farmers with the hitherto unavailable option to chemical nematocides. Not only do they reduce the material burden but also offer the long-term control of pests”.
Dr. Mason also underlines the need to combine the usage of the biological products with cultural practices adding that “Farmers should use NemaPro in a holistic approach to pest management.” This comprises crop rotation, soil health management and pest control checkups.”
Conclusion
I am one of the corn growers and from using chemical nematocides to using NemaPro is a big plus for me. Due to its effectiveness in controlling root-knot nematodes and non toxicity to the environment or soil microfauna, Purpureocillium lilacinum is environmentally friendly biocontrol agent. When I included NemaPro in the pest control strategy, I consequently realized that there were healthier crops, increased yields and minimized the use of the fatal chemicals.
Sustainable farming is the best way to go, and NemaPro is part of it. If you are experiencing nematode issues with your corn crop, then I encourage you to embrace this biological control – it is less damaging to our crops.
