No abstract

The use of organic soil amendments, such as green manures, animal manures, composts or slurries, certainly has many advantageous aspects for soil quality and is suggested as a promising tool for the management of plant-parasitic nematodes. However, during a recent literature survey we also found numerous studies reporting an increase of plant-parasitic nematodes after the use of organic amendments. Therefore, we critically re-evaluated the usefulness of organic amendments for nematode management and suggest possible mechanisms for a stimulation of plant-parasitic nematodes, as well as mechanisms that might be causing a reduction of plant-parasitic nematodes. In addition, we also elucidate a possible mechanism that might be responsible for the observed overall positive effects of organic amendments on crop yields. It is likely that a significant part of this is, inter alia, due to the proliferation of non-pathogenic, free-living nematodes and their overall positive effects on soil microbial populations, organic matter decomposition, nutrient availability, plant morphology and ecosystem stability.

PAs do affect several performance parameters and developmental stages of nematodes. Therefore, PA-producing plants such as species of Crotalaria, Ageratum or Senecio might be promising candidates for nematode management strategies. [Correction made here after initial online publication].

No abstract

SummarySalibro™ is a novel sulfonamide nematicide containing the active substance (a.s.) fluazaindolizine (Reklemel™ active). Its biochemical mode of action is presently unknown but in internal laboratory studies it exerted adverse effects on various fitness parameters (motility, mobility and infectivity) of two species of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita and M. hapla). While not causing an immediate knock-down effect on second-stage juveniles (J2) during the first 24-48 h of exposure to concentrations of 1-50 ppm (a.s.), exposed J2 showed clearly visible symptoms of toxicological effects (including characteristic body postures) and started to lose both their mobility as well as infectivity. This decrease in mobility and infectivity was nonreversible, even if the J2 were washed, and was already observed after pre-exposure periods of 24-48 h at 1-50 ppm (a.s.). Lower temperatures during the exposure period (4-10°C) did not prevent toxicological effects of treated J2 but slightly delayed the time-to-effect. By contrast, various vermiform life-stages of the bacteriophagous nematode, Acrobeles buetschlii, did not show any signs of intoxication or reduced motility during continuous exposure to Salibro™ at up to 250 ppm (a.s.). Salibro™ slightly increased hatching of M. hapla but did not significantly impact the hatching of M. incognita at concentrations up to 50 ppm (a.s.). No adverse effects on hatching were observed for A. buetschlii at concentrations up to 250 ppm (a.s.). The results indicate that Salibro™ is an effective and selective nematicide and will be a useful new tool in sustainable nematode management.