Metabolites derived from symbiotic bacteria of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), biological control agents, have emerged as a promising option for sustainable agricultural production. In particular, they stand out as candidates for managing plant-parasitic nematodes of the Meloidogyne genus, pests that affect crops such as tomatoes, citrus, and vineyards. These nematodes directly weaken plants and facilitate secondary infections by opportunistic pathogens, compromising yields and increasing production costs.
A study conducted by the IN-Vid group, in collaboration with Artal Smart Agriculture and using Xenorhabdus bacteria from the collection of Dr. Raquel Campos-Herrera, evaluated the effect of these metabolites. Results showed that, under in vitro conditions, the metabolites caused immobility in M. incognita juveniles. Subsequently, using tomato plants as an experimental model, it was also demonstrated that the plant damage index was significantly reduced under soil-plant conditions after two months of exposure. The study further analyzed the impact on non-target organisms, specifically the EPNs Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. While no effects were observed on mortality or post-exposure efficacy under in vitro conditions, a significant reduction in the control capacity of S. feltiae was detected under soil-plant conditions after 15 days. This effect diminished by 30 days due to a general decline in EPN activity.
In conclusion, metabolites derived from Xenorhabdus represent a promising alternative for managing Meloidogyne. However, further studies are needed to evaluate their impact on non-target organisms and ensure environmentally responsible use. Currently, the IN-Vid group continues to investigate the application of these metabolites and EPNs through various approaches, aiming to transfer the most promising results to vineyards and using grapevine seedlings as a model within the SOIL-PRO-VINE project (PID2022-136487OB-I00), funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation.
More information:
González-Trujillo, M.M., Artal, J., Vicente-Díez, I., Blanco-Pérez, R., Talavera, M., Dueñas-Hernani, J., Álvarez-Ortega, S., Campos-Herrera, R. 2024. Direct effects of Xenorhabdus spp. cell-free supernatant on Meloidogyne incognita in tomato plants and its impact on entomopathogenic nematodes. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 207, 108213, doi: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108213.
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