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Background There are relatively few scientific works on the use of homeopathy to manage plant pathogens, particularly nematodes. A handful of studies focused on Meloidogyne spp. parasitizing vegetables have brought contradictory results on nematode control and enhancement of plant tolerance to parasitism. Objective Our goal was to assess the effect of Cina—a well-known anti-nematode ingredient—on Meloidogyne enterolobii parasitizing lettuce. Methods Cina was applied daily on nematode-inoculated plants, from the seedling stage until harvest. We tested an evenly spaced range of Hahnemannian concentrations (c), which were applied though irrigation with a constant dose of the ingredient. Several absolute and relative controls were employed to allow the assessment of the effect of Cina on nematode reproduction and lettuce growth. Results Cina affected growth of non-parasitized plants, both positively and negatively; this effect was modulated by the c applied and the thermal stress suffered by the plants in one of the assays. The effect of Cina on the growth of nematode-parasitized plants was neutral or negative. Cina reduced nematode reproduction by 25–36%. Conclusion Based on the moderate negative effect of Cina on M. enterolobii reproduction, it seems this ingredient may be useful as a complementary strategy for Meloidogyne control. But Cina did not enhance the tolerance of lettuce to Meloidogyne spp.

Background Nosodes are homeopathic preparations (HPs) obtained from tissues or substances associated with the targeted disease or from culture of the pathogenic agent. Nosodes are thought to modulate host resistance, easing symptoms or promoting cure. A few studies have been published about control of plant-parasitic nematodes with HPs, but none with nosodes. Conceptually, nosodes prepared from nematode infective stages might interact with the plant's pathogen-recognition system and initiate or modulate plant resistance to nematodes.Objective Our goal was to investigate whether nosodes prepared from second-stage juveniles (J2) of Meloidogyne enterolobii can affect the moderate resistance already existing in the lettuce cultivar ‘Elisa’.Methods Nosodes at the Hahnemannian concentrations (cH) 6, 18, 30 and 42 were applied on lettuce plants through irrigation, with a constant daily dosage. The nosode treatment started at the seedling stage, before nematode inoculation with 3,000 eggs + J2 per plant. A series of absolute and relative controls, and 10 replicates per treatment, were employed. At harvest, variables related to plant growth and nematode reproduction were assessed.Results The nosode at 6, 18, and 30cH reduced (p Conclusion Nosodes obtained from Meloidogyne J2 may affect plant parasitism by nematodes, possibly by interfering with plant resistance. The nature—positive or negative—and intensity of the nosode effect depends on the cH applied to the plants. Further studies are necessary to identify which cH values are more effective in reducing nematode reproduction without causing negative side effects on plant growth.

The term phytotelma (pl. phytotelmata) designates a plant-associated reservoir of fresh water and organic debris. Phytotelmata in tank bromeliads are abundant in tropical forests, and they provide shelter, food, and water for many metazoans. Among the invertebrates known to inhabit phytotelmata, nematodes are the least studied, despite their important role in nutrient and energy cycles in freshwater ecosystems. This study was conceived to characterize the nematode trophic structure in the phytotelma of the bromeliad N. cruenta, and to identify climate and microenvironmental variables that impact it. Nematode abundance (total and per trophic group), rainfall, air temperature, the amount of organic debris fallen into the phytotelma, and eight physico-chemical properties (PCPs) of the water retained in the bromeliad tank – volume; temperature; pH; dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and solids; and electrical conductivity – were monitored during two years in a natural reserve in Brazil. Bacterial and hyphal feeder nematodes predominated over other trophic groups. Nematode abundance (total and per trophic group) was not impacted by fluctuations in rainfall or air temperature. The amount of organic debris fallen into the phytotelma correlated positively with nematode abundance (total and per trophic group). Regarding the PCPs of water, the only significant correlation – positive – was between the amount of dissolved oxygen and the abundance of hyphal feeder nematodes. These results bring a clearer understanding of the ecology of nematodes inhabiting phytotelmata, which are peculiar and understudied freshwater ecosystems.

Entomopathogenic nematodes have been evaluated for control of mosquito species for decades. Depending on the nematode and mosquito involved, mortality rates of larvae (L) may reach 100% in vitro. Nonetheless, nematode efficacy at oviposition sites has rarely been assessed. Heterorhabditis indica LPP35 has been shown to kill over 75% of Aedes aegypti L3/L4 in cups and bottles outdoors. To assess its efficacy in indoor oviposition sites, different types/sizes of floor drains and pot saucers, and 65 liter water barrels, were infested with L3/L4 and treated with two doses of infective juveniles (IJs). In floor drains, mortality rates varied from 45 to 82%, with better results in the smallest drains. The adjustable dose of 25 IJs/cm2 of the drain's bottom internal surface gave better results than the fixed dose of 100 IJs/larva. Mortality rates were only 28 to 53% and 0.1 to 1.7% in pot saucers and water barrels, respectively, probably because ridges and grooves that marked the bottom internal surface of these containers hindered the encounter of larvae and IJs. Entomopathogenic nematodes have been evaluated for control of mosquito species for decades. Depending on the nematode and mosquito involved, mortality rates of larvae (L) may reach 100% in vitro. Nonetheless, nematode efficacy at oviposition sites has rarely been assessed. Heterorhabditis indica LPP35 has been shown to kill over 75% of Aedes aegypti L3/L4 in cups and bottles outdoors. To assess its efficacy in indoor oviposition sites, different types/sizes of floor drains and pot saucers, and 65 liter water barrels, were infested with L3/L4 and treated with two doses of infective juveniles (IJs). In floor drains, mortality rates varied from 45 to 82%, with better results in the smallest drains. The adjustable dose of 25 IJs/cm2 of the drain’s bottom internal surface gave better results than the fixed dose of 100 IJs/larva. Mortality rates were only 28 to 53% and 0.1 to 1.7% in pot saucers and water barrels, respectively, probably because ridges and grooves that marked the bottom internal surface of these containers hindered the encounter of larvae and IJs.

Endemic fungal foliar diseases, such as leaf blight – LB [ Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon and Maubl] and leaf verrucosis, or “lixa-pequena” – LP [ Camarotela torrendiela Batista (Bezerra) and Vitoria], reduce the productivity of the coconut palm in Brazil. Damage arises from extensive necrosis of the leaflets, resulting in early abscission of basal leaves and fruit. In Brazil, fungicide terrestrial sprayings has not been a commonly employed practice for the control of coconut foliar diseases because it is not cost-effective, once requiring high-volume of fungicide spraying. Coverage gaps and extensive drift of chemicals can occur due to technological limitations of terrestrial spraying of the tallest mature trees and is further complicated by the peculiar architecture of the palms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of systemic fungicides applied directly to the leaf axil of the coconut palm (variety Brazilian Green Dwarf of Jiqui) for the control of foliar diseases. During 2007–2010 and 2009–2012, two field plot experiments were conducted at distinct locations (farms) in the North Fluminense region. Two to 4-monthly applications of the fungicides to the leaf axil of cyproconazole (alone), cyproconazole plus azoxystrobin, cyproconazole plus trifloxystrobin, and flutriafol (alone) were efficacious in controlling coconut palm leaf diseases, resulting in a significant reduction of the LB severity and the number of necrotic LP lesions. When compared with the control treatment, significant increases in the total number of leaves per plant were observed for the most efficacious treatments after one year (2–4 leaves more) and after the second year (3–6 leaves more) after initiating the axillary applications of fungicides in both experiments. This trend continued even after the third year, when there was an average of 8 leaves more for the most efficacious treatment (27 leaves per plant) compared to control (19 leaves per plant) at the end of second experiment. The control of foliar diseases based on the results could ensure a significant increase in regional coconut production.

In guava decline, Fusarium solani-immune guava trees become susceptible to extensive root rot caused by this fungus after parasitism by Meloidogyne enterolobii. To understand the mechanisms involved in this disease, root exudates were collected from nematode-inoculated (NI) or uninoculated (UN) guava plants cultivated in sand. After filtration through a Millipore® membrane, NI and UN exudates were used: i) to prepare media to assess their effect on mycelial growth and production of propagules of F. solani isolate UENF/CF 163, and ii) to incubate macro- and microconidia to assess their effect on germination. NI exudates promoted (P

Quarenta e sete acessos de Psidium spp. foram avaliados em casa de vegetação quanto à resistência a M. enterolobii, visando ao desenvolvimento de porta-enxertos e cultivares resistentes. Cinco a sete mudas de cada acesso foram produzidas por propagação vegetativa ou a partir de sementes e, no estádio de quatro pares de folhas, foram submetidas à inoculação com 500 ovos desse nematoide. Cento e trinta e cinco dias após, extraiu-se metade do sistema radicular das plantas (cortado ao longo de seu eixo longitudinal) para extração de ovos. As mudas foram replantadas com as raízes restantes e mantidas vivas em casa de vegetação. As contagens de ovos foram feitas em três alíquotas de 1 mL/planta, e multiplicadas por dois para obtenção da população final (Pf). As Pf's de todas as alíquotas foram submetidas a ANOVA, a qual indicou diferenças significativas (pForty-seven accessions of Psidium spp. were evaluated under greenhouse conditions for resistance to M. enterolobii, as part of an effort to develop resistant rootstocks and cultivars. For each accession, five to seven plants were produced from stem cuttings or from true seeds and, at the stage of four pairs of leaves, they were inoculated with 500 nematode eggs. One hundred and thirty-five days later, the plants were removed from the pots and half of root system was processed for extraction of eggs. The plants were replanted with the remaining roots. The egg counts, obtained from three 1 mL aliquots per plant, were multiplied by two to obtain the final nematode population (Pf). The Pf values of all aliquots were submitted to ANOVA, which revealed significant differences among accessions and among plants of the same accession. The plants were classified as resistant or susceptible based on the reproduction factor (RF = Pf/500). All plants of cattley guava (P. cattleyanum) (accessions 115 and 116) were resistant (RF

In an effort to devise a biological strategy to control guava decline, 120 rhizobacteria isolates were obtained from symptomless guava trees located in Meloidogyne enterolobii-infested orchards. Of those isolates, 44 were assessed for their potential to reduce nematode's reproduction: for each isolate, six guava stem cuttings were embedded for eight hours with bacterial suspension and transplanted. Upon development of the roots, the plants were inoculated with 2000 nematode eggs and allowed to grow for four months under greenhouse. Seedlings embedded with water, inoculated or not with the nematode, served as controls. All treatments were equivalent in the five variables that assessed plant development. Several rhizobacteria reduced (p

Guava decline, caused by the interaction between the phytonematode Meloidogyne enterolobii and the fungus Fusarium solani, has caused direct and indirect losses to the whole productive chain of guava. Aiming to understand the interaction mechanisms between M. enterolobii and F. solani, this study carried out a bioassay on guava plants with roots in two different treatments: inoculated separatelyor together with the fungus and/or nematode. The nematode parasitism not triggered an systemic effect on the plant become susceptible to root rot caused by the fungus.Therefore, it was concluded that there was a local effect of parasitism by M. enterolobii on the pathogenicity of F. solani in guava roots, making it necessary for the two pathogens to occupy the same space at the same time for occurrence of guava decline. Keywords: complex disease, Fusarium solani, guava root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii, Psidium guajava. Cite as Gomes VM, Souza RM, Almeida AM, Dolinski C. Relationships between M. enterolobii and F. solani: spatial and temporal dynamics in the occurrence of guava decline.

In order to evaluate the effect of joint infection by Meloidogyne enterolobii and Helicotylenchus dihysteroides on vegetative growth of guava seedlings (Psidium guajava L.), as well as to observe symptoms caused by pathogens in host plants, an experiment was conducted in microplots. In these experimental units, suspensions were used containing H. dihysteroides and M. enterolobii. The plants were separately inoculated with H. dihysteroides and jointly inoculated with H. dihysteroides and M. enterolobii, and the blank controls were represented by noninoculated plants. No significant differences were observed between treatments related to morpho-physiological variables of guava seedlings, but joint inoculation resulted in a reduced final population of H. dihysteroides. It was also concluded that neither infection by H. dihysteroides alone nor a joint infection by the two pathogens caused any damage to guava seedlings.

Quarenta e sete acessos de Psidium spp. foram avaliados em casa de vegetação quanto à resistência a M. enterolobii, visando ao desenvolvimento de porta-enxertos e cultivares resistentes. Cinco a sete mudas de cada acesso foram produzidas por propagação vegetativa ou a partir de sementes e, no estádio de quatro pares de folhas, foram submetidas à inoculação com 500 ovos desse nematoide. Cento e trinta e cinco dias após, extraiu-se metade do sistema radicular das plantas (cortado ao longo de seu eixo longitudinal) para extração de ovos. As mudas foram replantadas com as raízes restantes e mantidas vivas em casa de vegetação. As contagens de ovos foram feitas em três alíquotas de 1 mL/planta, e multiplicadas por dois para obtenção da população final (Pf). As Pf's de todas as alíquotas foram submetidas a ANOVA, a qual indicou diferenças significativas (p

Guava decline is a complex disease involving Meloidogyne enterolobii and Fusarium solani and it has caused major direct losses to Brazilian growers. Although several strategies have been sought to control the nematode, the use of organic soil amendments is currently the best approach to manage this disease. To assess the best amount of meat and bone meal (MBM) to be incorporated into the soil, guava seedlings inoculated with M. enterolobii were treated with 1-5% v/v of the MBM. Ninety days later variables related to nematode reproduction and plant development were evaluated, which indicated a potential nematicidal effect of the MBM at 3%. Another experiment assessed nematode- and plant-related variables 90 days after treatment of the seedlings with MBM, chitosan, shrimp shell or neem cake at 3%, 0.05%, 2% and 0.1% v/v, respectively. The MBM ranked first, reducing nematode reproduction. This MBM rate was converted to 25 kg/tree and assessed in three application regimes (monthly, bimonthly or trimonthly), for six months, in an orchard affected by guava decline. The variables assessed were soil density of colony forming units (CFU) of bacteria and fungus, and soil and/or root density of M. enterolobii, Helicotylenchus sp., and of different nematode trophic groups. In all three application regimes the MBM reduced all plant-parasitic nematodes in the soil and the fungus CFUs. It also promoted an increase in bacterial CFU and bacterivorous nematodes. O declínio da goiabeira, uma doença complexa envolvendo Meloidogyne enterolobii e Fusarium solani, tem causado grandes prejuízos diretos para os produtores brasileiros. Apesar de várias estratégias terem sido discutidas para o controle do nematoide, a utilização de matéria orgânica adicionada ao solo é atualmente a melhor abordagem para conviver com essa doença. Para avaliar a dose adequada de farinha de carne e ossos (FCO) a ser incorporada ao solo, mudas de goiabeira inoculadas com M. enterolobii foram tratadas com 1-5% v/v da FCO. Noventa dias após foram avaliadas variáveis relacionadas à reprodução do nematoide e ao desenvolvimento das plantas, indicando um possível efeito nematicida da FCO a 3%. Outro experimento avaliou variáveis relacionadas ao nematoide e à planta 90 dias após o tratamento das mudas com FCO, quitosana, casca de camarão e torta de nem a 3%, 0,05%, 2% e 0,1% v/v, respectivamente. A FCO reduziu a reprodução do nematoide, destacando-se em relação aos demais tratamentos. Esta dosagem de FCO foi convertida para 25 kg planta-1 e avaliada em três regimes de aplicação (mensal, bimestral ou trimestral), por seis meses, em pomar de goiaba acometido pelo declínio. As variáveis avaliadas foram densidade no solo de unidades formadoras de colônia (UFC) de bactérias e fungos, e a densidade no solo e/ou raiz de M. enterolobii, Helicotylenchus sp., e de diferentes grupos tróficos de nematoides. Em todos os três regimes de aplicação a FCO reduziu todos os nematoides parasitas de plantas no solo e o número de UFC de fungos, e promoveu aumento no número de UFC de bactérias e nematoides bacteriofagos.