Phytoparasitic nematodes can cause heavy losses in the agricultural, forestry, and ornamental plant production industries. At the same time, they have several adaptations for a parasitic lifestyle:
- Some nematode species can form cysts
- They feed on many species of plants
- They penetrate the plant most often through the roots- deferring human notice
- Create an invasion pathway for pathogenic bacteria and fungi
Losses due to nematode feeding can be as much as 12-25% of the total crop grown.
Bacillus bacteria are included in the group of bacteria that promote plant growth. They occur naturally in the soil, around the roots, and provide plants:
- Resistance to environmental conditions
- More efficient binding of chemical elements
- Increased biomass
- Convenient conditions for seed germination
Certain bacteria of this genus show antagonism to pathogenic and parasitic organisms. They produce and secrete:
- Volatile organic compounds
- Lytic enzymes
- Hydrogen cyanide
The application of selected Bacillus species can significantly reduce parasite populations at higher rates than other pesticide replacements.
These findings highlight the efficacy of Bacillus bacteria against nematode species like M. incognita and M. javanica, offering an environmentally friendly, crop-beneficial, user-friendly, and cost-effective pest management solution.
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