IRON NANOPARTICLE AND BIOLOGICAL NEMATICIDE AGENT FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MELOIDOGYNE JAVANICA IN SOYBEAN

Abstract

The root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., have a wide geographical distribution and are among the most aggressive and economically important genera of nematodes worldwide. The phase out of some chemical nematicides makes it necessary to search for new tools to manage these plant-parasitic nematodes. The use of biological agents (BA) has received attention for nematode management, but some characteristics limit the efficacy of these agents. Nanoparticles (NP), due to their specific properties, represent a tool to mitigate the limitations of BA and have also shown potential in the management of plant diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the efficiency of iron NP co-inoculation with a BA for the management of Meloidogyne javanica in soybean. The application of iron NP at 75 mg/kg + BA at 1 ml/kg resulted in an 88% reduction in the density of M. javanica females in roots. The mode of action responsible for the mortality of M. javanica appeared to be linked to the generation of reactive oxygen species. Co-inoculation of iron NP and BA has the potential as a M. javanica management strategy in soybean.