Purpureocillium lilacinum as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Conventional Pesticides for Potato Cyst Nematode Control

Potato growers know that nematodes, especially the potato cyst nematodes (PCNs) are a scourge that not only attacks their crops, but also erodes yield year after year. Potato cyst nematodes attach themselves on roots suck out essential nutrients, inhibit growth and can totally destroy a prized field. In the past, farmers have relied on normal pesticide chemicals as the means of controlling PCNs but following the unfavorable effects on consumer use, soil, and environmental composition, the farmers are in search of integrated solutions.

Now you know about Purpureocillium lilacinum – a new fungal species that is revolutionizing sustainable farming. Acting as an active component of Novobac’s NEMA PROMAX this natural pest control agent has drawn attention across the country as an organic bio-nematicide product that controls PCNs efficiently without negative side effects related to conventional chemicals.

This is kind of a product, which as an agriculture journalist I have been watching it grow. Learning from the farmers and agronomists, Purpureocillium lilacinum is setting a great example to tend toward eco agriculture for potato cyst nematode control in small and big-scale farming systems.

Another work, The Growing Problem of Potato Cyst Nematodes, is as follows.

Potato cyst nematodes are amongst the most challenging pests to manage. Two main species are particularly damaging in potato fields globally; they are the golden-f reven variegated cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis) and the pale cyst nematode (Globodera pallida). These pests dig on the roots where they limit the ability of the plant to absorb nutrients and hence farmers get small and poor produce.

The tricky part? Potato cyst nematodes can remain in the soil for several years as inactive cysts that only emerge when a potato crop is grown. The chemical pesticides that Agriculture from the globalized world still employs for controlling pests have for instance failed to penetrate this resilient lifecycle. More disheartening is that they indicate that many of these chemicals are toxic to beneficial soil organisms, decline the quality of the soil, and present dangers to consumers and the environment.

That is why Purpureocillium lilacinum treatment must be taken as a more effective disrupter.

About Purpureocillium lilacinum and how it works?

Purpureocillium lilacinum is a symbiotic mutualistic fungus with arthropods and is effective as a potato cyst nematode management​ agent. It does this by laying its eggs inside parasite laden nematode eggs, and through germinating fungal spores kills the eggs. Over time it effectively helps to suppress the nematode pathogens in the soil, thus eliminating future attacks on crops.

In contrast with traditional pesticides, which act through toxic effects, Purpureocillium lilacinum is an antagonist. Otherwise, it serves as a biological solution, which allows the farmers to protect your potatoes and at the same time, preserve the soil structure. Also, it can easily complement organic and regenerative agriculture systems and, therefore, is aimed at environmentally friendly cultivators.

Hence, Purpureocillium lilacinum incorporated biocontrol of nematodes coupled with increased soil stock.” ‘It is a fabulous tool for integrated nematode control,’ according to Dr Ian Cooper, a soil microbiologist of AgriTech Innovations Lab.

NEMA PROMAX: This paper presents a farmer acceptable bio-nematicide

Hailed as Novobac’s NEMA PROMAX, is one of the leading bio-nematicide products which employ the natural nematophagous fungi, Purpureocillium lilacinum to combat PCNs effectively and organically. Using this product, farmers have noted that yields are considerably higher and diseases are also well controlled.

Key advantages of NEMA PROMAX:

• Targeted Control: Spore forming, parasitic within the eggs of nematodes, affecting the development of cysts in the ground.
• Eco-Friendly: Innocuous to beneficial soil organisms; increases microbial population.
• Residue-Free: Promises consumables which are cleaner and safer for consumption than those which have been contaminated by insects.
• Long-Term Soil Health: Beneficial on the long run as far as the soil is concerned because of its microbiological characteristics.

One potato farmer from Idaho shared his experience with NEMA PROMAX:

Vale repeat: Nematodes are problematic but it’s rare to find a product that controls them without destroying the soil. My yields rose to nearly 20% and the results of soil tests also depicted better microbial turn around all through. NEMA PROMAX is the solution to PCN(MAX) issues!”

That is why biocontrol solutions are becoming increasingly popular among farmers.

The transition from utilizing standard pesticides to the new fungi, Purpureocillium lilacinum, isn’t only about sustainability (although the concept is very alluring in today’s world!) Farmers are also experiencing quite positive impressions in economic terms. Since the number of chemicals needed is cut down, the cost of application is lowered. Combine better soil to the equation, and you’ll save even more every year over the following growing seasons.

Bio-nematicides such as NEMA PROMAX are not stand-ins for chemical pesticides in the way that people often think of, they are part of the new age of agriculture. Currently, farmers who use these products are enjoying both environmental and economic benefits.”

THE SOCIAL ORDER: A PRACTICAL RECIPE FOR ACHIEVEMENT

For potato growers dealing with PCNs, integrating Purpureocillium lilacinum into their existing management practices is seamless when combined with the right cultural techniques:

• Crop Rotation: Alternative crops should be grown around plants to interrupt nematode development cycles.
• Soil Solarization: Use transparent plastic covers to trap heat, it eradicates soil borne pests within a short time before planting.
• Paired Application: NEMA PROMAX should be applied during the initial seasons for plants to get maximum protection, then apply midway for the best results.

These integrated measures enhance the efficacy of biological control methods and at the same time encourage the sustenance of healthier ‘alive’ subsoil in the long run.

A Greener Path Forward for Potato Farming

The feedback is unanimous: The product that has proved very effective in fighting PCN is Purpureocillium lilacinum and through NEMA PROMAX, farmers can trust that they will access this innovative solution. It is an excellent fit, the natural response to the problems that conventional pesticides have posed; powerful, environmental friendly, and cumulative.

As regulators and consumers push for reduced pesticide use worldwide, eco-friendly solutions like bio-nematicide products offer potato farmers a rare opportunity: to shield their crops, secure their soil, and satisfy consumers’ increasing concerns on food safety as well as the environment.

For farmers willing to cut down their reliance on chemicals and welcome natural, reproducible methods, there is no need to wait for the future, they’re already upon us in the form of Purpureocillium lilacinum. For potato growers, NEMA PROMAX provides an effective weapon against nematodes but is not unfriendly to the earth.

Enough of this ordinary farming trend let’s go a step further and farm environmentally friendly. Some folks are in a fine tizzy about eating their same old potatoes, others are reaping Earth’s many bounties.

Read more on Techweekly