SoildiverAgro has just published a new study titled “Development and Effectivity of Solanum sisymbriifolium Against Potato Cyst Nematode Under Field Conditions in Soils from the Southern Atlantic Area.”. The research, led by experts Antía Gómez-Armesto, Laura Meno, Servando Álvarez-Pousa, and David Fernández-Calviño, delves into innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture.
Potato cyst nematodes (PCNs), a notorious pest affecting global potato yields, are commonly managed with chemical nematicides. However, this study explores a promising alternative: the use of Solanum sisymbriifolium as a biopesticide. This trap crop not only encourages the hatching of nematode cysts but also prevents them from feeding or reproducing, offering a sustainable solution to reduce pest populations.
The study revealed several important insights regarding the use of Solanum sisymbriifolium as a biopesticide for managing potato cyst nematodes (PCNs). Moreover, the researchers identified the best growing conditions for the crop in the South Atlantic region, including sowing in July and August, at a depth of 10–15 cm, with consistent irrigation and soil compaction after sowing. Under these optimal conditions, the presence of potato cyst nematodes decreased by 77% to 89% in fields with high initial nematode counts. In some sub-plots with lower nematode populations, a 100% reduction in cysts was achieved. These results suggest that Solanum sisymbriifolium can effectively control PCNs, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical nematicides and contributing to more environmentally-friendly farming practices.
This research marks a significant step toward reducing dependency on harmful pesticides and fostering eco-conscious farming solutions.
You can read the full article for in-depth insights into the methodology and results here or on our scientific articles page
