I am fourth generation corn farmer Mike Anderson; the rate of my 2000 acre farm located in central Kansas was down by a third in 2022. His quest for biological nematode control started in 1998 after discovering that major lesion nematode test results were highly palpable based on severe soil sampling results. Yaedon later realized the potential of using Purpureocillium lilacinum in controlling nematode infestations. To know more about how to treat nematodes, visit Novobac.
The Initial Challenge
”The first indications were not very obvious,” Anderson said. ‘In our experiments our corn plants suffered from growth retardation, chlorosis and poor root growth.’ It prompted us to first think that it was a nutrient deficiency since its deterioration did not improve after using fertilizers.” In both analyses, the lesion nematode population was determined to be more than a thousand in a 100cc of access soil, a figure ten fold the economic threshold.
Understanding the Enemy
Working with local agricultural extension agents, Anderson learned to identify key symptoms of nematode damage:
Therefore, there are distorted and patchy field growth patterns.
– Root lesions and pruning
– Secondary root development
Others, other diseases and illnesses will also be more frequent.
As a result of the Traditional approach, things were not working well. This is a step up from the conventional nematicides that Anderson says were tried earlier, “Unfortunately with limited efficacy as they are only temporary solutions to the nematic problem and more importantly we are worried about the effects on our soil and chemical residues.”
Discovery of Nema Pro
From a sustainable farming workshop in early 2023, Anderson discovered that Nema Pro is a biologically based nematicide that relies on the fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum. “I was interested in ways that are scientifically possible to treat nematodes biologically,” he said. ‘For a long time, the possibility that a beneficial fungus supplies a natural nematode control seemed too good to be true.’
Implementation Strategy
Working with agricultural consultants, Anderson developed a comprehensive management plan:
Pre-planting Phase (March 2023):
1. Organic matter inclusion in the soil
2. Application of the first nema pro at 4 kg/ hectare
3. Optimal moisture content of soil is between 50-60%
Growing Season:
1. Nematode soil sample collection and analysis is done monthly.
2. Supplementary applications at a frequency of 8 weeks for additional to the above.
3. Methods that were aimed at enhancing growth of the fungi include provision of irrigation services.
The Results
By harvest time 2023, the results were remarkable:
It lowered the nematode population level by 75 percent.
The overall yield increase is above 2022 level by 22 %
– Increased health of the root section and the overall rigorousness of the plants
– With lower chemical interference the plants would have lesser requirements for chemical inputs.
“The change was quite spectacular,” Anderson pointed out. What was even better was that not only did we notice that our plants looked healthcery but also our structure of the soil had changed for the better. The biologic nematodes control approach with Nema Pro was more efficient than any of the chemical treatments we had used before.
Economic Impact
Anderson’s cost-benefit analysis revealed:
2022 (Chemical Control):
– Input costs: $180/acre
– Yield: 145 bushels/acre
– Net profit: $435/acre
2023 (Nema Pro):
– Input costs: $150/acre
– Yield: 177 bushels/acre
– Net profit: $581/acre
Spreading the Word
Due to this achievement, word has gotten round among farmers in the neighborhood. Many of my neighbors have come to find out about the Paecilomyces lilacinus uses in the production of corn, he says. He said he had no issue in doing so because he feels this is the future of sustainable farming practice.
Ongoing Practices
Today, Anderson continues to refine his biological control program:
– Nutrient and chemical parameters to be tested for the determination of soil health.
– Cover cropping and it
-Application timing optimization
– Documentation of results
Looking Ahead
Looking back at his experience, Anderson says: “It was a complete shift in the way that I approached pest management”. They both say how learning how to facilitate nature instead of opposition has helped them become better farmers.
For the 2024 season, Anderson plans to:
Contemplate using Nema Pro application to the rest of his acreage
– Be a subject to any research conducted within the university
– Arrange for other farmers to come and visit their host farmers
Udhosbenye: minimalisar kimiye
Anderson’s case success story encourages that good nematode control is possible w/o the use of poisonous chemicals. When applied correctly, these incorporate biological solutions such as Nema Pro, allow farmers to produce crops with fewer inputs, at higher yields and boast the health of the nation’s soil.