Using Special Chemicals to Control Harmful Pests in Tomato Gardens

Greg Howard
19th August, 2024

Using Special Chemicals to Control Harmful Pests in Tomato Gardens

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study in Sinaloa, Mexico, found that fluopyram effectively prevented yield loss in tomatoes affected by the nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii
  • Combining fluopyram with fluazaindolizine or fluensulfone further improved nematode management and reduced root damage
  • The use of drip irrigation for applying nematicides ensured targeted delivery, enhancing treatment effectiveness and minimizing environmental impact
Tomato production is a significant agricultural activity, with Mexico ranking as the 8th largest producer globally. However, a major challenge faced by tomato growers is the nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii, which has been reported in Sinaloa, affecting tomato cultivars that usually possess genetic resistance to other Meloidogyne species. This study, conducted by the Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different nematicides—fluopyram, fluensulfone, and fluazaindolizine—in managing M. enterolobii on tomatoes[1]. The experiments were set up on raised beds in a shade house, with nematicides applied via drip irrigation. The study found that under fluopyram treatment, M. enterolobii did not reduce the number of extra-large-size fruits. Similarly, the number of large-size fruits remained unaffected by M. enterolobii when treated with fluopyram and fluazaindolizine plus fluopyram. The yield from treatments using fluopyram, fluazaindolizine plus fluopyram, and fluensulfone plus fluopyram was comparable to the control treatment without M. enterolobii. Notably, the highest reduction of root galling was observed in treatments involving fluazaindolizine plus fluopyram, fluopyram alone, and fluensulfone plus fluopyram. Fluopyram emerged as the most effective individual treatment. Pre-plant applications of fluensulfone and fluazaindolizine also reduced plant damage and yield loss. However, combining these treatments with fluopyram improved the management of M. enterolobii in tomato crops. This study builds upon earlier research on fluazaindolizine, a nematicide investigated for its dissipation behavior and residue limits in tomatoes[2]. It was found that fluazaindolizine residues in tomatoes were below 0.01 mg/kg, making it a safe option for use in agriculture. The current study confirms the efficacy of fluazaindolizine in combination with fluopyram, providing a comprehensive approach to managing nematode infestations. Additionally, the growing interest in nematicide research over the past decade has led to the development of safer and more selective products[3]. The new generation of nematicides, including fluopyram and fluensulfone, are designed to target nematodes specifically while being less toxic and safer for use. This aligns with the findings of the current study, which highlight the effectiveness of these newer nematicides in managing M. enterolobii without compromising fruit yield or quality. Moreover, the study's methodology of using drip irrigation for nematicide application ensures targeted delivery and efficient use of the chemicals. This method not only enhances the effectiveness of the treatments but also minimizes environmental impact. In conclusion, the research conducted by the Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa demonstrates that fluopyram, both alone and in combination with fluazaindolizine or fluensulfone, is highly effective in managing M. enterolobii in tomato crops. This study not only supports the use of these newer, safer nematicides but also provides practical insights for growers facing nematode challenges. The findings contribute to the broader effort of developing sustainable and effective agricultural practices, ensuring high-quality tomato production while mitigating the impact of nematode infestations.

AgricultureBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Field Applications of Fluorinated Nematicides for Meloidogyne enterolobii Management on Tomato.

Published 19th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2024-0030

Related Studies

2) Dissipation behavior and residue distribution of fluazaindolizine and its seven metabolites in tomato ecosystem based on SAX SPE procedure using HPLC-QqQ-MS/MS technique.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2017.08.056

3) New reduced-risk agricultural nematicides - rationale and review.

https://doi.org/10.21307/jofnem-2020-091


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