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Potato production in East Africa is seriously impacted by the potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis, where it has been recorded in at least three countries. In Kenya, it is widespread in all major potato-growing regions, often at very high densities. Consecutive cropping of potato on the same land and a sub-tropical climate have influenced PCN biology. For example, unusually large cysts have been regularly recovered. We have analysed the biological properties of these ‘giant cysts’. The giant cysts contained more eggs than those recovered from UK fields. Egg size did not differ from UK populations and there was no difference in overall lipid content or lipid profile in J2 from giant cysts, compared to control samples. The nematodes in giant cysts were also genetically indistinguishable from any other G. rostochiensis sampled. When grown under UK glasshouse conditions, the offspring of nematodes from giant cysts were no different in size from those grown from control cysts, indicating that gigantism is not a heritable trait and may simply reflect favourable conditions for PCN under Kenyan farming systems. To date, all the PCN tested from Kenya, including those from giant cysts, are avirulent on potato cultivars containing the H1 resistance gene

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Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are serious pests of most food crops, causing up to 100% yield loss. Nevertheless, commercial nematicides are costly and harmful to the environment. While the nematicidal potential of crustacean and synthetic chitin has been demonstrated globally, research on the potential of insect-derived chitin for nematode control has received limited attention. Here, seven chitin-fortified black soldier fly frass fertilizer extracts (chFE) were assessed for their suppressiveness of Meloidogyne incognita and impacts on spinach growth in comparison with a commercial nematicide using in vitro and in vivo bioassays. The performance of chFE and control treatments was assessed by determining their effects on nematode egg hatchability; infective juvenile (J2) mortality and paralysis; number of galls, egg masses, and J2s per plant; and spinach root and shoot biomass. In vitro results showed that chFE and commercial nematicide suppressed nematode egg hatchability by 42% and 52%, respectively, relative to the control (sterile distilled water). Up to 100% paralysis was achieved when M. incognita J2s were exposed to either chFE or commercial nematicide. Further, the J2 mortality achieved using chFE (95%) was comparable to the value achieved using commercial nematicide (96%); in all treatments, mortality increased with exposure time. Similarly, up to 85% suppression of gall development was achieved when spinach plants were grown in soil drenched with chFE; up to 79% reduction in egg mass formation and 68% suppression of J2 development in the root system were achieved using chFE. Also, chFE application significantly increased spinach root and shoot biomass by 54%–74% and 39%–58%, respectively, compared to commercial nematicide. Our findings demonstrate the nematicidal potential of chFE and its benefits on crop production. Thus, chFE could be considered as a promising multipurpose, regenerative, and cost-effective input for sustainable management of plant-parasitic nematodes and enhancement of crop yield.

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Divisjon for bioteknologi og plantehelse

ImpACT of nematodes in Carrots


ImpACT aims to tackle an increasing challenge in carrot production namely plant parasitic nematode (PPNs) that are emerging as problematic in todayʼs intensive cropping practices. Norwegian carrot production has doubled in the last 20 years and impressively covers 94% of the market. Carrot production practices face different biotic challenges,carrots for storage struggle with storage diseases, whereas fresh produce suffer directly from PPNs and other pests. Plant parasitic nematodes are neglected due to unspecific crop symptoms and the cryptic nature of nematodes that urgently needs attention. ImpACT of nematodes aims to map the extent of nematode occurrence and damage incarrot production through surveys and questionnaires, and provide advice on management options filling the gap indealing with nematodes. Soil steaming is a tool to knock down nematode populations. We aim to evaluate this technology and assess the long-term effects on soil health. Biochar, organic fertilisers, and bio stimulants are possible tools for combatting nematodes, however there is lack of evidence, certainly under Nordic conditions. ImpACT will evaluate soil amendments under controlled conditions and test the best bet in field trials. Furthermore, to understand interactions between nematodes in the soil and their host plant(s), studies in the rhizosphere will be conducted to elucidate the mode of infection/attraction/repellence to plant roots, in the long-term leading to novel management options. In field-based observations we will investigate the cause of storage damage on carrots, suspected to be initiated by nematodes. To generate much needed knowledge on this neglected pest of carrots our applied and basic research will create new insights on tools for nematode management as well as nematode-host interactions that can be developed further into sustainable management strategies.

Active Updated: 01.07.2025
End: nov 2027
Start: jan 2024
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Divisjon for bioteknologi og plantehelse

Green crop protection: Cruciferous plants as a green alternative to chemical pesticides in cereals


Cereal plants infested with plant pathogenic fungi or nematodes may have reduced grain quality and yield. These diseases can partly be controlled by using chemical pesticides. The purpose of this project is to identify "green" methods to mitigate plant pathogenic fungi and nematodes in cereals, as an alternative to chemical pesticides.

Active Updated: 08.05.2024
End: des 2025
Start: jan 2023
IMG_0149-cropped

Divisjon for bioteknologi og plantehelse

Grønt plantevern: Korsblomstra vekster som et grønt alternativ til kjemiske plantevernmidler i korn


Angrep av plantepatogene sopp og nematoder kan redusere avling og kvalitet av norskdyrket korn. Disse skadegjørerne kan til dels bekjempes ved bruk av kjemiske plantevernmidler. Formålet med dette prosjektet er å identifisere «grønne» metoder for å bekjempe plantepatogene sopper og nematoder i korn, som et alternativ til kjemiske plantevernmidler.

Active Updated: 19.06.2024
End: des 2025
Start: jan 2023