Composted Municipal Green Waste Infused with Biocontrol Agents to Control Plant Parasitic Nematodes—A Review

Abstract

The last few years have witnessed the emergence of alternative measures to control plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs). We briefly reviewed the potential of compost and the direct or indirect roles of soil-dwelling organisms against PPNs. We compiled and assessed the most intensively researched factors of suppressivity. Municipal green waste (MGW) was identified and profiled. We found that compost, with or without beneficial microorganisms as biocontrol agents (BCAs) against PPNs, were shown to have mechanisms for the control of plant parasitic nematodes. Compost supports a diverse microbiome, introduces and enhances populations of antagonistic microorganisms, releases nematicidal compounds, increases the tolerance and resistance of plants, and encourages the establishment of a “soil environment” that is unsuitable for PPNs. Our compilation of recent papers reveals that while the scope of research on compost and BCAs is extensive, the role of MGW-based compost (MGWC) in the control of PPNs has been given less attention. We conclude that the most environmentally friendly and long-term, sustainable form of PPN control is to encourage and enhance the soil microbiome. MGW is a valuable resource material produced in significant amounts worldwide. More studies are suggested on the use of MGWC, because it has a considerable potential to create and maintain soil suppressivity against PPNs. To expand knowledge, future research directions shall include trials investigating MGWC, inoculated with BCAs.

Are root parasitic broomrapes still a good target for bioherbicide control?

“…The use of cheaper media and alternative approaches for mass production could also reduce the costs of microbial production, making them economically more competitive with other control methods. The use of waste derived from agriculture (for example, crop residues) or the food industry to obtain composts is an interesting approach to producing enriched substrate for the production of biocontrol agents for plant disease and nematode control 32,33 . In addition, composts are known for their potential as fertilizers owing to their high organic matter content.…”

Synergistic Effects of Trichoderma harzianum, 1,3 Dichloropropene and Organic Matter in Controlling the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita on Tomato

“…This study confirmed that the addition of a OM source plays a key role for a successful application of biocontrol agents as Trichoderma. According to their composition, OM sources can directly release nematicidal compounds, increase plant tolerance and resistance and increase soil populations of antagonistic microorganisms [ 26 , 27 , 51 ]. Moreover, decomposing organic materials represent a rich feeding substrate for bacteriophage nematodes, leading to an increased population of this trophic group, as well as to a reduced space for phytoparasitic species [ 52 , 53 ].…”

“…The nematicidal efficacy of Trichoderma varies among the fungal strains and is strongly affected by soil physicochemical and biological properties. In particular, a key role is played by the soil content of organic matter (OM) that ensures a feeding substrate for Trichoderma development also in the absence of host plants [ 25 ], demonstrating a direct suppressiveness to phytoparasitic nematodes, which act synergistically to the nematicidal activity of Trichoderma [ 26 , 27 ].…”

A Comprehensive Metagenomic Analysis of Bacterial and Fungal Microbiome Responses to Leaf-Based Compost Amendment in Soil, Unveiling the Bio-Fertilizing Potential

“…Bio-composts' e cacy in bioremediation varies based on factors like compost composition, application rates, and environmental conditions, necessitating consideration of site-speci c factors in implementation. Composts can contribute to the bioremediation of pathogenic microorganisms in the soil through various mechanisms, including microbial competition, antibiosis, predation, the production of antimicrobial compounds, and the alteration of environmental conditions (e.g., pH or moisture) that are unfavourable for pathogen survival [42,43].…”

“…For example, research has reported the disease-suppressive properties of thermophilic compost and vermicompost on a wide range of phytopathogens, including Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, Plasmidiophora brassicae, Gaeumannomyces graminis, and Fusarium species. Bio-composts have also proven effective in controlling arthropods and nematodes, improving overall soil health [42,44].…”