Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Plant parasitic nematodes are soilborne pathogens that pose a significatn threat tp many high value, annual and perennial, specialty crops, such as potato, carrot, onion, wine grapes and tree fruits in the region, among others. Their infestation can lead to diminished yields and even the rejection of crops by processors, resulting in substantial financial losses for farmers. Currently, pesticides are heavily relied upon for nematode management, and therea pressing need for sustainable, non-chemical alternatives. Enter Solanum sisymbriifolium, a nematode-resistant plant that holds promise as a novel tool in nematode management. Our gial is to explore its potential as a sustainable biopesticide. Our research aims to achieve three key objectives: 1) to determine the efficacy of S. sysimbriifolium formulations against root-knot and cyst nematodes; 2) to assess the economic feasability of utilzing S. sisymbriifolium formulations to control plant-parasitic nematodes; 3) to disseminate our findings to industry, growers, and academic peers. Through this research, we expect to develop S. sisymbriifolium-based formulations that offer cost-effective methods of nematode control in high value crops. The envisioned impact will be a reduction in the reliance on synthetic chemical controls, which will be both environmentally beneficial and economically advantageous for farmers
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
0%
Applied
100%
Developmental
0%
Goals / Objectives
The goal of this proposal is to develop new formulations of Solanum sisymbriifolium as biopesticides for controlling plant parasitic nematodes in high value crops such as potatoes and grapes. To achieve this goal, there are three main objectives. First, we will determine the efficacy of S. sysimbriifolium formulations against root-knot and cyst nematodes, both of which are significant threats to potato and grape production in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. Secondly, we will assess the economic viability of using S. sysimbriifolium to control plant-parasitic nematodes on these crops, compared to current conventional control measures. Lastly, we will disseminate our findings to industry, growers, and academic peers. This will allow us to develop recommendations for incorporation of S. sysimbriifolium and the S. sysimbriifolium formulations developed in this proposal as part of an integrated nematode management program.
Project Methods
For the first objective, the project will involve creating novel S. sysimbriifolium formulations and testing their efficacy against root-knot and cyst nematodes. First, a freeze-dried sample of S. sysimbriifolium will be incorporated into soil at various rates to determine the efficacy of control in greenhouse and field trials. Control effectiveness will be evaluated by measuring the degree of galling (for root-knot nematodes) or the presence of cysts (for cyst nematodes) on susceptible plants post-treatment. Subsequently, the most effective S. sisymbriifolium material will be used to create various formulations. These formulations will include alginate beads containing S. sisymbriifolium material, paper made from S. sisymbriifolium plant material, or compostable potting material infused with S. sisymbriifolium extracts. The different formulations will be tested in greenhouse assays, and if they look promising, they will be moved to test on plants in nematode-infested fields. The expected outcomes will be the identification of the best S. sysimbriifolium formulation and method of applying the formulation to reduce root-knot and cyst nematode disease on susceptible plants such as potato and grape.For the second objective, we will assess the economic feasibility of the S. sysimbriifolium formulations. The available potato enterprise budgets in WSU and UI will be used as the baseline for a partial budget analysis. Additionally, we will determine the costs associated with application, including materials and labor. This will allow us to calculate and compare the break-even returns between the standard and alternative nematode management practices. Furthermore, we will perform sensitivity analyses to assess how changes in critical economic parameters, such as marketable yield and output price, affect profitability.Lastly, all PIs involved in the project will contribute to extension and outreach activities including written material, field days, and discussion groups. We will present our findings at the Oregon/Washington Potato Conference (Kennewick, WA) and the University of Idaho Research and Extension Potato Conference (Pocatello, ID).