Effect of multi-element fertilizer on nematodes in soybean

Multi-element fertilizer demonstrates efficiency in reducing Meloidogyne javanica nematodes in soybeans, both when applied alone and in association with a biological product. Nutritional complex activates defense mechanisms and induces the plant to synthesize secondary metabolites, which act as physical and chemical barriers to hinder the entry and development of pathogens.

The Tractus Smart product applied alone or in combination was efficient in reducing nematodes. The results found showed that, under controlled conditions, Tractus Smart has a synergistic effect with a biological product, increasing the effectiveness in the management of Meloidogyne javanica in soybeans. Nematodes are among the main limiting factors for soybean productivity in Brazil, with annual losses estimated at approximately R$16 billion. The control of this nematode is difficult, mainly due to its wide geographic distribution and host range, which makes it difficult to choose materials for crop rotation, in addition to compromising the second harvest. Therefore, in recent years, interest in alternative control methods has grown.

There are a series of recommended methods for controlling nematodes in soybeans, including crop rotation, the use of resistant genotypes and chemical and biological control. However, some products have shown potential for nematode control. In this context, Spraytec developed Tractus Smart, which means nutrition and correction in the right measure, in a single operation, improving the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil.

A high-tech and biodegradable product, it is a multi-element fertilizer to be applied as a complement to base fertilizer, in the furrow or broadcast. A single granule contains balanced amounts of some macro and micronutrients, humic acids and amino acids with high solubility and readily available to plants, without salinizing the soil, enabling greater root growth and initial crop establishment.

Another differentiating characteristic of the product is related to health. In response to the application of Tractus Smart, defense mechanisms are activated, inducing the plant to synthesize secondary metabolites, which act as physical and chemical barriers, hindering the entry and development of pathogens, such as nematodes. The use of cultivars with high genetic potential associated with sustainable development requires innovative products, such as Tractus Smart. Based on knowledge of the mode of action of each product, it is hypothesized that they can act in synergy, optimizing the control of plant parasitic nematodes.

Goal

Evaluate the isolated application of Tractus Smart and its association with a Biological Product for the management of Meloidogyne javanica in soybean cultivation.

Materials and methods

The experiment was carried out under the supervision of researcher Claudia R. Dias Arieira, in a greenhouse, at the State University of Maringá, Umuarama Regional Campus, in a completely randomized design, with 14 treatments and seven replications. The treatments were: Control, Tractus Smart (30kg/ha) and Commercial Biological Product, used alone and associated with Tractus Smart.

The test was conducted in polystyrene containers containing 500ml of a mixture of soil and sand (1:1), previously autoclaved (120ºC/2h). In each experimental unit, a hole was made in which the inoculum and seed treated with the products under study were deposited, according to the dose indicated by the manufacturer. The inoculum consisted of a 2ml suspension containing two thousand eggs of M. javanica, which were obtained from pure populations of the nematode, kept in soybeans, in a greenhouse, for a period of two months, being extracted from the roots using the process proposed by Boneti and Ferraz (1982), respectively.

After 60 days of setting up the experiment, the plants were carefully collected, separating the aerial part and root. The roots were carefully washed and subjected to the nematode extraction process. M. javanica. The samples obtained were evaluated under a light microscope, using a Peters chamber, for the total number of nematodes. This was divided by the fresh root mass, determining the number of nematodes per gram of root. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance at 5% probability and, in case of significance, the means were compared using the Scott-Knott test at 5% probability.

Results

All evaluated treatments promoted a reduction in total nematodes in soybean plants after 60 days of inoculation with M. javanica. The best results in reducing the total number of nematodes were obtained with the association of Tractus Smart and Commercial Biological Product, followed by the isolated use of Tractus Smart. It is worth mentioning that Tractus Smart alone and associated was numerically superior in reducing the number of nematodes, when compared to the Biological Product (Figure 1). Association of Tractus Smart and Commercial Biological Product caused a reduction of over 67,81% in the total number of nematodes. The use of an isolated Biological Product promoted the lowest percentage of reduction in the total number of nematodes (Figure 2).

Conclusion

The Tractus Smart product applied alone or in combination was efficient in reducing nematodes. The results found showed that Tractus Smart has a synergistic effect with a biological product, increasing the effectiveness in the management of Meloidogyne javanica in soybeans.

Julio Roberto Fagliari, Research and Development Manager