Brazil detects nematode that attacks the aerial part of plants

Researchers from Fundação MT and consultancy firm Agronema detected the presence of the nematode, Aphelenchoides besseyi, a pest that behaves like a fungivore, feeding on fungi present in the soil or in crop residue, as well as parasitizes the aerial part of plants.

The nematode causes Green Stem Syndrome and Leaf Retention (“Crazy Soybean II”), and also parasitizes weeds, as well as common beans, cotton and cowpea.

According to researcher and nematologist Rosangela Silva from Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa Agropecuária de Mato Grosso, Fundação MT, despite occurring in significant areas of soybean crops, the nematode also causes considerable damage to cotton, as affected plants are unable to develop fruits, therefore, stifling production.

The occurrence of Crazy Soybean II depends on favorable environmental conditions, such as temperatures above 28 degrees C and high humidity, in addition to the presence of the pathogen in the area. According to researcher Santino Aleandro from Agronema, a nematological consultant, there is still no forecast of damage before the harvest, and it is always accounted for at the end stage considering the factor of occurrence, intensity of symptoms, and percentage of the affected area. “However, in the affected plants, the loss of productivity can reach 100%,” he stressed.

“We emphasize that there are still no registered pesticides for controlling A. besseyi. Therefore, we do not have a chemical or biological management recommendation for this nematode. On the other hand, there are already companies conducting research aimed at developing products for this purpose,” said the researcher from the MT Foundation.

Most studies conducted by Fundação MT on the nematode are still in progress, and, according to Rosangela, there are few conclusive results about the best management options. “So far, most fieldwork has brought more questions than solutions, what we know is that we are working together with producers to try to find a way,” she said in conclusion.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)