Sustainable Management of Soybean Cyst Nematodes: How Purpureocillium lilacinum Helps Farmers Combat Soil-borne Pests

This season proved to be one of the toughest for farmers of Greene County Iowa which is one of the largest soybean yielding states in the United States of America. Fowling incidents of dwarf plants, chlorosis, and reduced root size had started appearing in the heart of the farming community. Cited as soybean cyst nematodes , or SCN, the damages amounted to significant yield cuts some of which approached 50%.

Until recently, local growers used chemical nematicides to preserve SCNs due to large annual crop-losses attributed to SCNs. Yet these measures were becoming less effective perhaps because nematodes were becoming resistant to them. In addition, and increasing, pressures from regulators weighed in and there were increasing issues with regard to soil quality and sustainability. As with so many things in life, the farmers quickly realized that they needed something more – something that is long-term, specific, and efficient.

And that was when the idea of using biologic nematode controls – just the kind of pest solution that was, literally, a dream – dawned as the final frontier in green pest control: Purpureocillium lilacinum. Embedded in Novobac’s revolutionary bio-nematicide, NEMA PROMAX, the beneficial soil bacterium also known as Purpureocillium lilacinum has solved most challenges related to soybean cyst nematodes.

Now let me explain a little about how the farmers from Iowa managed to turn the tables and bring up healthier yields and much-needed revitalized soils.

Soybean cyst nematodes: The menace on the fields

Soybean cyst nematodes are amongst the most damaging pests in soybean production systems globally. They feed on roots and cause channels for other diseases such as root rot besides robbing plant roots of essential nutrients. SCNs interfere with water and nutrient translocation, stunting soybean growth, turning them yellow and féétile.

Further adding to the problem, SCNs are somewhat cryptic as they may exist in the soil in an inactive form for years, contained in cysts. This makes them particularly hard to manage, particularly in areas that have had a consistent pattern of soybean farming.

“We knew something was wrong in the fields,” stated Steve Turner, an organic soybean farmer and a SCN victim inSampling Year 2022. And even if the farmers used crop rotation to counter this problem, the nematodes started to reoccur. Chemicals I tried worked for a while, however, those were not addressing the actual issue.”

Enter Purpureocillium lilacinum: A Natural Ally for Farmers

The change towards utilizing Purpureocillium lilacinum nematode biocontrol introduced both expectation and achievement to artisans like Steve. As a chemically operated isolated soil fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum affects the nematodes in a biological way unlike the more general pesticide methods.

Here’s how it works:

1. Targets Nematode Eggs: Purpureocillium lilacinum feeds on nematode eggs, which are its host. This in turn drastically decreases nematode infant populations before they even incorporate into cocoons.
2. Protects Future Crops: It constantly interferes with the life cycle of SCNs, to ultimately reduce the soil threats, thereby preparing the ground for healthier planting sessions.
3. Supports Soil Health: In contrast with synthetic chemicals, the use of Purpureocillium lilacinum doesn’t have any adverse effects on beneficial microorganisms of the soil. Well, it does so in order to create a balanced population instead of a population explosion.

Indeed, in the view of Emily Grace, Ph.D., the specialist in soil microbiology at Iowa State University, Purpureocillium lilacinum is providing farmers with the environmentally friendly and efficient means of combating SCNs. This makes it different from conventional pest control solutions while supporting the beneficial bacteria in the soil.”

NEMA PROMAX = HOW FARMERS ARE WINNING

Farmers such as Steve have embraced NEMA PROMAX, Novobac’s bio-nematicide that is powered by Purpureocillium lilacinum. The intended product has, therefore, enjoyed widespread use because of the efficiency coupled with the simplicity in managing soybean cyst nematode.

Here’s what sets NEMA PROMAX apart:

• Effortless Application: Suitable for use with drip irrigation or soil soaking it gets to the nematodes in the zone where they are rooted.
• Sustainable Certification: Free from any residues, NEMA PROMAX is an authorised input for use in organic farming production techniques.
• Field Proven Results: These findings show that a single application cycle resulted in decreased nematode levels and improved root architecture.
• Steve shared his experience: During planting and mid season, NEMA PROMAX was applied. Not an issue which causes problems in adopting organic practices. It was evident for the plants to show, roots to be stronger and for my fruit yields to increase even when a nematode infestation had happened.

Integrating Biocontrol with Smart Practice

The biologic NEMA PROMAX nematodes are effective and marked, however, soybean cyst nematode control of SCN requires multiple tactics. Here are some best practices adopted by farmers in nematode-prone regions:

• Crop Rotation: Intercrop soybeans with non-host plants such as corn or small grains in order to disrupt the nematode life-cycle.
• Resistant Varieties: Introduce supertolerant SCN-resistant soybean cultivars that contribute to other sources of pest control.
• Soil Sampling: Maintain the nematode populations, so that an early sign of problem can be detected through soil testing.
• Purpureocillium lilacinum Application: Always use NEMA PROMAX tactically best in advance when planting or preferably during planting season.

A Vision for Sustainable Soybean Farming

While active in Greene County agriculture, these farmers can attest to the drastic differences that arise from using biologicals such as P. lilacinum nematode treatments and NEMA PROMAX. Now, more than ever, there has never been a greater push to produce food in a sustainable manner and these tools provide solutions which actually work to the benefit of the environment.

The world will continue to rely on soybeans as one of its major crops – this demand will hold true for pest control solutions as well. Black in color and most effective in combating SCNs, NEMA PROMAX is not just an answer to control SCNs for farmers but also building efficient and sustainable agricultural systems for the future.

Steve puts it best: Surprisingly, I am not cultivating soybeans only this time round. But you’re getting healthier soil, better yield, and a farm ready for today.