A New Biological Product Shows Promising Control of the Northern Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne hapla, in Greenhouse Tomatoes

Abstract

Tomato plants are susceptible to significant yield losses when infested by the northern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne hapla. While there are many options for conventional chemical management, few of these options offer effective control for organic growers or those who seek to adopt more environmentally considerate strategies. In this study, we showed that a new, biologically based product (referred to as “MN21.2”) has potential for controlling populations of the northern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne hapla, as a pest of susceptible tomato (cv. Rutgers) in a greenhouse trial. This is significant because if this product’s efficacy is supported under field conditions, it may provide organic tomato growers with a valuable tool for fighting the plant-parasitic nematode pest, M. hapla.

Biological enhancement of the cover crop Phacelia tanacetifolia (Boraginaceae) with the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia to control the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla in a succeeding tomato plant

“…However, only few commercial products are available for control of Meloidogyne spp. (Hallmann et al 2009;Wesemael et al 2011;Flores Francisco et al 2021;Darling et al 2023). One such biocontrol agent is the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae).…”