The importance of Tomato farming cannot be over emphasized especially since this form of farming is very popular in most farmlands in Maharashtra in the country of India. However, in recent years, there has been a rising incidence of soil borne diseases through nematode pests, especially root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp). These micro-organisms bore themselves into plant roots, creating galls that restrict water and nutrient uptake, making plants puny and crops scarce.
However, root-knot nematodes were a significant threat to local farmer Ramesh Jadhav. He practiced some of the conventional farming techniques he considered important and lost virtually all his tomatoes, with a majority of them being rejected as unfit for consumption. He was left with a constant desire for a long-term revolutionary agricultural style of farming that won’t harm his soil as well as dependence on synthetic chemicals. This is the story of how Ramesh adopted paecilomyces lilacinus products and the bio-nematicide products Nema ProMax, and Nema Pro in managing nematodes naturally, changing the landscape of his farm.
Special Review: The Nematode Problem in Tomato Agriculture
Basically the tomato root-knot nematodes are very hard to detect until their destructive impact begins to show. Nematodes were first noticed by Ramesh when he tomatoes plants contracted nematode diseases on normal irrigation. There, easily noticeable in the photographs, were galls that infected the roots due to nematode parasitism. These pests damage the plant’s transport system, or vascular tissue and thus comprises the transportation of water and nutrients.
Hardy parasites, nematodes reproduce profusely and in soils, and therefore can be difficult to eradicate. Chemical solutions gave temporary relief but eliminated the good life within the soil and left behind residues which did not gel with what Ramesh wanted to learn about sustainable farming. Building a need for a sustainable, environmentally friendly and non-cosmetic solution, Ramesh turned to local agronomists at a university who informed him about the qualities of Purpureocillium lilacinum.
Purpureocillium lilacinum is a startling new and potentially hazardous organism that has abruptly appeared in public discourse.
PURPUREOCCILIUM LILACINUM: A BIOLOGICAL NEMATODE CONTROL AGENT IS A FURTHER ENDOPHYTIC FUNGUS WHICH IS NATURALLY OCCURRING IN THE SOIL. Species of this group parasitize the nematodes at all their life cycle stages with special preference to their eggs and juveniles.
Mode of Action:
It produces enzymes which dissolve the outer coverings of the nematode eggs and thus starving the embryos to death before they can be damaging to crops. It also forms a ring on the ground around the tomato root area that hinders nematode operation.
Eco-Friendly Benefits:
In contrast to chemical nematicides, the biocontrol agent P. lilacinum supports soil health and diverse beneficial microorganisms, and may be applied to organic agriculture.
The presented studies proved that it is possible to maintain low incidences of soil-borne diseases and nematodes of the tomato plant when Purpureocillium lilacinum is incorporated into an IPM system.
Using Nema ProMax and Nema Pro: The Pathway of Ramesh to Achievement of Control
The agricultural experts, therefore, suggested root knot nematode biological control and Nema Pro – innovative bio-nematicides based on Purpureocillium lilacinum. Ramesh complied with their recommendation by using these products on his tomato farms.
- Nema ProMax: The Fast-Acting Defense
- Incorporating a high dilution of Purpureocillium lilacinum, Nema ProMax is formulated to prevent nematode reproduction.
- Application: Ramesh used Nema ProMax in a drip irrigation system and made sure it got to the tomato root zone. In two weeks’ time, he found he was no longer stressed and galls were no longer developing on the roots.
- Outcome: Nema ProMax quickly deals with actively reproducing populations of nematodes providing the immediate passive containment.
- Nema Pro: Strengthening Sustainable Dynamics of Soils
- Since the perennial application of Nema Pro for nematode management may not be economically practicable, Ramesh employed it as a soil additive.
- Purpose: This product lays the foundation for a defensive fungal population in the soil which controls nematodes in the end.
- Results: After many years of persistent application of the fungi the population density of the fungi in the soil exerted a suppression pressure on the nematodes.
Program in Focus: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Action
But that did not stop Ramesh from going further with bio-products only. He adopted a holistic approach using these IPM practices:
Crop Rotation:
Succotting from tomatoes to non-host crops such as maize disoriented the nematodes detrimental to their reproduction cycle.
Solarization:
As the consequence of this innovation during the hot summer months Ramesh used the solar heat to control nematodes and the eggs by simply covering the soil with transparent polyethylene sheets.
Organic Amendments:
Incorporation of compost with Purpureocillium lilacinum, and neem cake was effective in stimulating microbial activity in his fields.
Cover Crops:
Mustard was interseeded as it develops a good canopy cover and the root exudates have moderate nematicides for root-knot nematode.
Regular Monitoring:
From soil tests and root examinations, Ramesh monitored nematode threats and adapted treatments with an annual basis.
Results: Reviving Tomato Yields
When integrating both the Integrated Pest Management and the use of the two Nemaspore Products; Nema ProMax and Nema Pro, I saw a dramatic change in my tomato farming. The rates of infestation reduced significantly as well as his soil health benefited. Healthy roots equal to; heightened vigor on plants, increased water absorption, and reliable yields. Ramesh had said he was able to get about 95% of the projected yield—an almost miracle considering the crop nearly fell to destruction.
Expert Insight: The Future of Sustainable Farming
Agricultural researcher Dr. Meera Kapoor, who collaborated with Ramesh, shared her view:
In bio-nematicide technology, Purpureocillium lilacinum is a unique organism that breaks through the traditional mold. Agricultural inputs such as Nema ProMax and Nema Pro coupled with crop rotation and use of organic inputs present a better solution to nematode problems than those that have detrimental effects on the environment and the soil base.
Conclusion: Natural Management of a Tomato Plant Nematode Disease
Despite the problems that nematodes pose, particularly root-knot nematodes, farmers should not consider them as unbeatable enemies on their tomato farms. It thus couldn’t be more encouraging that farmers like Ramesh have demonstrated that farmers are capable of managing soil borne diseases by going biological with products like Purpureocillium lilacinum, boosted by other products such as, Nema ProMax and Nema Pro.
With the incorporation of these tools as part of a broader IPM plan together with cultural measures tomato farmers can regain their fields from nematodes and have a healthy and secure future for their land. In the case that farm is infested by nematode; this is how farmers embark on the journey to reclaim by adopting biocontrol solutions.
