Wenli Yin , Kexiu Lin , Yanling Huang , Yan Zhou

Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, School of Marine Sciences and Biotechnology, Guangxi Minzu University, Nanning, 530008, China
Author    Correspondence author
Bt Research, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 3   doi: 10.5376/bt.2024.15.0011
Received: 08 Mar., 2024    Accepted: 19 Apr., 2024    Published: 06 May, 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Yin W.L., Lin K.X., Huang Y.L., and Zhou Y., 2024, Integrated pest management strategies incorporating Bacillus spp. for control of Meloidogyne enterolobii, Bt Research, 15(3): 110-117 (doi: 10.5376/bt.2024.15.0011)

The emergence of Meloidogyne enterolobii as a significant agricultural pest has necessitated the development of novel and sustainable pest management strategies. This study explores the potential of incorporating Bacillus spp. as a biological control agent within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework for the control of M. enterolobii. Building on previous research that demonstrated the efficacy of Bacillus spp. against Meloidogyne spp., this review evaluates the specific mechanisms through which Bacillus spp. can manage M. enterolobii populations in agricultural settings. The research utilizes a combination of in planta assays, split root assays, RT-qPCR, and qPCR to assess the direct antagonistic capabilities of Bacillus spp. against M. enterolobii and their systemic effects on host plants. Results indicate that certain Bacillus strains, such as B. amyloliquefaciens QST713 and B. firmus I-1582, can effectively colonize plant roots and induce systemic resistance through the jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) pathways, thereby reducing nematode population density and enhancing plant defense mechanisms. Additionally, the study compares the performance of Bacillus spp. with chemical nematicides, highlighting the potential for these bacteria to not only suppress nematode populations but also promote plant growth and yield, as evidenced in tomato plants. The findings suggest that Bacillus spp. could be a viable component of IPM strategies, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical nematicides for the management of M. enterolobii in agricultural systems.

Bacillus spp.; Integrated pest management; Meloidogyne enterolobii; Biological control; Systemic acquired resistance; Sustainable agriculture