Fertilizer as a defense tool against nematodes

Nematodes are among the main limitations of soybean productivity in Brazil, with annual losses estimated at approximately R$ 16 billion (US$ 3 billion).

Among the nematodes that cause the greatest damage, are the gall nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita) and root lesions Pratylenchus brachyurus). The control of these nematodes is hampered, mainly, by the wide geographical distribution and the range of hosts, which makes it difficult to choose materials for crop rotation.

Thus, in recent years, interest in alternative management methods has grown. Research carried out over the past few years in partnership with research institutions has shown that the Pack Seed product has the potential for nematode management, by activating defense mechanisms in the plant, which have improved cell wall lignification, reducing penetration and reproduction.

Pack Seed is a complex mixture of compounds of different biochemical nature and biodegradable, registered for the treatment of soybean, corn, wheat and beans. It is a differentiated product, because, in addition to the traditional Co and Mo, it provides macros and micronutrients, rooting and amino acids. It is a complete formulation for seed treatment, and a promising alternative in the management of nematodes, applied alone or associated with other products.

As all control methods have limitations, research is necessary to compose integrated management, such as the study of plant nutrition, given that knowledge of the mode of action of each product can explain whether they act in isolation or in synergy, optimizing the nematode control in plants. Therefore, given the scarcity of alternatives to control nematodes in soybeans, research is needed to assess new technologies.

Therefore, work was carried out in partnership with the ABC Foundation to verify the efficiency of Pack Seed, via seed treatment at a dose of 3ml/kg, in the management of Meloidogyne javanica in soybean culture.

The methodology used to evaluate the treatments was by counting the population of the nematode M. javanica in soybean roots and also its effect on productivity.

Considering the collection performed at the R2 stage (Figure 1), the treatment with Pack Seed showed a significant reduction in the number of specimens of M. javanica in 10g of root in relation to the control. This effect can be attributed to the fact that the product activates the defense mechanisms of plants, such as increased synthesis of secondary metabolites, such as the enzymes peroxidase and phenylalanine-ammonia-lyase, mainly related to the stiffening of the cell wall, which makes the penetration, movement and feeding site of the nematode difficult. Regarding soybean productivity (Figure 2), there was an increase of 5.22 more bags per hectare, compared to the control, a natural response of the crop due to the better nutrition and health, provided by the Pack Seed.

The Seed Pack, in addition to nourishing plants with the main macros and micronutrients, rooting and amino acids for maximum expression of their productive potential, is a promising alternative in the management of the nematode M. javanica.

The original Portuguese version of this article is from GRUPO CULTIVAR.