Next-Gen Biocontrol for Efficient Meloidogyne Enterolobii Management

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will establish technical feasibility and provide proof-of-concept for the development of novel bionematicide formulations for effective control of Meloidogyne enterolobii. Plant parasitic nematodes are a major threat to most economically important agricultural crops causing global yield losses more than $170 Billion each year. The proposed research is in response to the urgent unmet need to develop new sustainable nematode control strategies to secure yield and profitable production. The specific technical objectives of the proposed research are: (i) Prepare novel formulations from renewable raw materials intended to control M. enterolobii and characterize their physical chemical properties and formulation stability. (ii) Assess the effect of the new bioformulations on the plant parasitic nematode M. enterolobii on a susceptible tomato host in the greenhouse. (iii) Conduct tests to evaluate in vitro specificity of the lead formulations. Research findings from this study are expected to lead to the development of a new effective bionematicide for improved management of M. enterolobii and other nematode pests. Besides enabling future economic benefits this research has a potential for making important contributions to soil and environmental health. Moreover using products made from natural feedstocks will reduce the use of petroleum-based materials and goods not only in agriculture but in other industries hence contributing to the advancement and growth of the bio-based economy.