The European legislative on the use of different control strategies against plant-parasitic nematodes, with particular reference to pesticides, is constantly evolving, sometimes causing confusion in the sector operators. This article highlights the nematode control management allowed in the C Zone of the European Union, which includes the use of chemical nematicides (both fumigant and non-fumigant), agronomic control strategies (crop rotations, biofumigation, cover crops, soil amendments), the physical method of soil solarization, the application of biopesticides (fungi, bacteria and their derivatives) and plant-derived formulations. The authors analyze the use of these strategies and substances in organic agriculture as well as in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

Root-knot disease caused by Meloidogyne incognita leads to significant crop yield losses that may be aggravated by the association with pathogenic fungi and bacteria. Biological agents can be effectively used against the complex disease of root-knot nematode and pathogenic fungi. In this study, 35 bacterial strains were analyzed for their in vitro nematicidal, antagonistic and growth stimulation activities. Based on results from the in vitro assays, grow-box experiments on tomato and cucumber were carried out with the strain BZR 86 of Bacillus velezensis applied at different concentrations. Effects of B. velezensis BZR 86 on the development of root-knot disease were evaluated by recording root gall index, number of galls and number of eggs in egg masses. Application of B. velezensis BZR 86 noticeably decreased the development of root-knot disease on tomato and cucumber plants, as well as significantly increased growth and biomass of cucumber plants in accordance with bacterial concentration. This study seems to demonstrate that strain B. velezensis BZR 86 could be an additional tool for an environmentally safe control of root-knot disease on horticultural crops.

Curves for graphical estimation of yield losses caused by plant parasitic nematodes were calculated on the basis of the relationship between soil nematode population density and damage to plants as described by the Seinhort’s equation y = m + (1 – m) z(P-T). By a logarithmic transformation this equation was transformed as y = m + (1 – m) 1.05[(P/-T) + 1] and solved considering values of tolerance limit (T) and the minimum relative yield (m) from the literature. The obtained curves that can be defined “Curves of nematode-pathogenicity” allow a quick and easy evaluation of yield losses for each known crop-nematode relationship.

The purpose of the research is to study the possibility of Pharmaiod application for golden potato nematode (GPN) decontamination in soil.Materials and methods. The object of research was GPN population recovered with soil from the APF "Russia", Vladimir Region. Tubers of susceptible potato cultivar Sineglazka (hybrid 15555) were used. Experiment to evaluate treatment effects and rates of experimental powder and liquid forms of Pharmaiod was carried out in pots by biotesting.Results and discussion. The obtained data showed that GPN larvae in soil samples died post application of powder form of Pharmaiod at dose level of 0.5% and 1%. Following application of 0.1% Pharmaiod alive GPN larvae were found in separate cysts. Pharmaiod liquid form significantly reduced the number of GPN females on roots (biological efficiency - 96%). Liquid form (at dose level of 0.5% and 0.1%) and powder form (0.1%; 0.5%; 1%) of Pharmaiod appeared to be phytotoxic: the tubers did not germinate and did not form a root system.

The purpose of the research is to study the effect of Farmayod on nematodes of different trophic groups, including rootknot nematode larvae, in vitro and in vivo.Materials and methods. The object of the research were larvae of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita obtained from the roots of infected plants from the Vladimir Region. The study of the effect of Farmayod in three concentrations was carried out in laboratory, using the biotest method on pumpkin plants. The effect of liquid Farmayod on the viability of nematodes of different trophic groups was studied in vitro and in vivo.Results and discussion. Liquid 0.1% Farmayod showed phytotoxicity, and not a single plant germinated. The drug in the form of a 0.01% solution showed phytotoxicity but to a lesser extent. The root system was less developed (60%) than in the control. The plant height was also 15% less. Farmayod at a concentration of 0.01% did not have phytotoxicity and reduced meloidoginosis versus the control. The biological efficacy of such dose was 56% higher, and the plant height was 30% more. The drug at a concentration of 0.01% had no effect on the plants damaged by meloidoginosis due to its phytotoxicity and poorly developed root system of the plants versus the control. Thus, at low concentrations, Farmayod acts on plants as a trace element necessary for plant vegetation, which affected the size of the plant. On the other hand, it can significantly reduce the infection of pumpkin roots with root-knot nematodes. Since this concentration is not toxic to nematodes, it can be assumed that the drug affects the nematode indirectly through the plant.