Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
This integrated project aims to develop novel bio-based approaches to control root-knot nematodes and promote the translation of these approaches to agricultural practices through extension and outreach to stakeholders. The current methods used for controlling these pests are unsustainable and impact workers' health. There are significant challenges in translating sustainable biochemical pesticides to agriculture practices, as less than 1 percent of these pesticides are currently used in organic and conventional agriculture. The proposed approaches are inspired by our recent discoveries that the nematicidal activity of plant-derived biochemical extracts is significantly enhanced upon encapsulation in bio-based carriers while the phytotoxicity is reduced. Thus addressing two significant barriers to translating biochemical extracts to agricultural practices. Based on these needs and inspiration, the specific objectives are: (a) develop bio-based carriers for encapsulating diverse class of plant-derived biochemical extracts with potential nematicidal and attractant properties for root-knot nematodes and evaluate their efficacy in model systems; (b) assess the ability of these bio-based compositions to enhance nematicidal activity while reducing phytotoxicity in soil/plant microcosms and evaluate the mechanisms of action; (c) evaluate the translation of these optimized formulations to control root-knot nematodes and develop a techno-economic analysis and (d) develop an extension and education program to engage growers and farm workers to facilitate translation of these bio-based solutions. Success in this project will promote the development and translation of bio-based approaches for sustainable bio-economy.
Animal Health Component
0%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
50%
Applied
50%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
Aim 1: Develop novel bio-based carriers for encapsulating four diverse classes of plant-derived biochemical extracts with potential nematicidal and attractant properties for root-knot nematodes and evaluate the affinity of these bio-based combinations for targeting these nematodes in model systems and soil.Aim 2: Assess the ability of these bio-based compositions to enhance nematicidal activity while reducing phytotoxicity in soil/plant microcosms and evaluate the mechanisms of affinity-enhanced nematicidal activity of these bio-based compositions.Aim 3: Evaluate the translation of these optimized formulations to control root-knot nematodes using greenhouse pot trials, microplot, and field trials using tomato and melon as model crops and develop a techno-economic analysis for developing a bio-based approach.Aim 4: Develop an extension and education program to engage growers and farm workers to create awareness of the challenges of conventional approaches and the opportunities with these bio-based solutions
Project Methods
Aim 1: Develop novel bio-based carriers for encapsulating four diverse class of plant-derived biochemical extracts with potential nematicidal and attractant properties for nematodes and evaluate the affinity of these bio-based combinations for targeting nematodes in model systems and soil:Novel bio-based carriers for the encapsulation of plant-derived biochemical extracts will be developed from the root biomass, spent yeast, fungal pellet, and by infusion of yeast into fungal pellets or decellularized root biomass. The biochemical attractants will be encapsulated in the bio-based carriers using the patented vacuum infusion process. The affinity of these bio-based carriers for nematodes will be evaluated using water agar plates and in the soil. Plant-derived biochemical extracts with potential nematocidal effects will be infused in the bio-based carriers with and without attractants. Infusion yield and efficiency of infused biochemical extracts and nematicidal activity of the bio-based compositions will be evaluated.Aim 2:Assess the enhancement in nematicidal activity of these bio-based compositions in soil while reducing the phytotoxicity of plant extracts and evaluate the mechanisms of affinity-enhanced nematicidal activity of these bio-based compositions:The experimental approach will have three sub-tasks: (a) assessment of nematicidal activity of bio-based compositions in soil and comparison with controls; (b) evaluation in a reduction in phytotoxicity of plant-based extracts using bio-based composition; and (c) assess mechanisms of inactivation of nematodes to determine if nematodes are killed before they are able to penetrate the roots or if nematodes exposed to formulations show reduced progression through life stages and reduced ability to reproduce. To assess the mechanism of action,the activity of the bio-based composition and their respective controls on (a) in-vitro hatching of root-knot nematode eggs; (b) inactivation of larvae (J2 stage), followed by detailed analysis if the other modes of suppression including ability to lay eggs.?Aim 3:Evaluate the translation of these optimized formulations to control nematodes using greenhouse pot trials and field trials using tomatoes and melon as model crops and develop a techno-economic for the optimized bio-based approach: A combination of greenhouse trial, microplot evaluation and a field trial of bio-based nematicidal compositions and their TEA will enable effective evaluation and illustrate the translational potential of the technology.Aim 4:Develop an extension and education program to engage growers and farm workers to create awareness to the challenges of conventional approaches and the opportunities with these bio-based solutions:Integration of extension and outreach with research will facilitate engagement of stakeholders, transfer of knowledge and technology and enable success in deployment of the technology. The activities will include: a partnership with key stakeholders and the development of an advisory board, the engagement of broader stakeholders via web-based resources and surveys, host workshops and field days for engaging diverse stakeholders and host field demonstration of the proposed bio-based solutions.