Nematodes: a common problem.

The nematodes represent one of the most widespread and insidious problems in the agricultural world. Invisible to the naked eye, these tiny organisms can compromise crop health, reduce the agricultural productivity and make the entire soil ecosystem.

Like MS Biotechwe work every day to offer organic and sustainable solutions against the phytoparasitic nematodes. Among them, our product Nematech is a point of reference for those who want a effective and environmentally friendly.

What nematodes are and why they are a problem

The nematodes are microscopic roundworms belonging to the phylum Nematoda.
Thousands of species exist in nature, many of which live freely in the soil and perform useful functions: they promote the decomposition of organic matterimprove the soil fertility and participate in the natural cycles of the ecosystem.

However, some species behave as pests of plants, animals or humans and can cause serious damage.
In the case of plants, the phytoparasitic nematodes feed on the root tissues causing:

• Slowdown in growth

• Leaf yellowing

• Reduced productivity

• Increased vulnerability to other fungal or bacterial diseases

Nematode infestations can result in significant economic lossesestimated to cause more than 10% of global agricultural losses each year.

The main types of nematodes: Anisakis, Ascaris and phytoparasitic nematodes

In common parlance we often speak of 'nematodes' in general, but in reality there are many different typeswith different effects on environment, health and agriculture.

Anisakis

TheAnisakis è un marine nematode infecting fish and marine mammals.
Man can contract theanisakidosis ingesting raw or undercooked fish containing live larvae (such as sushi, marinated anchovies or smoked salmon).
Infection can cause gastrointestinal disorders and, in the most serious cases, allergic reactions.
It is therefore an issue related to the food safetynon-agricultural, but which demonstrates the variety and danger of the nematode world.

Ascaris

TheAscaris lumbricoides è un human intestinal parasite, especially prevalent in hot climate countries or where there is a lack of adequate hygiene conditions.
The infection, called ascaridiasiscan cause abdominal pain, weight loss and in children growth problems.
Again, this is not an agricultural nematode, but an example of the great diversity of the Nematoda Group.

Phytoparasitic nematodes

The phytoparasitic nematodes are those that directly affect agriculture.
Species such as Meloidogyne spp. (galls nematodes), Heterodera spp. (cyst nematodes) and Pratylenchus spp. (injurious nematodes) pose a serious problem for crops such as tomato, courgette, aubergine, vine and citrus fruit.

These parasites attack the plant roots, forming galls or injuries and hindering the absorption of water and nutrientswith direct consequences on the crop growth and yield.

Our biological answer: Nematech

To counter natural and sustainable phytoparasitic nematodes, MS Biotech developed Nematech, a innovative microbiological formulation harnessing the power of beneficial soil micro-organisms.

How Nematech works

Nematech operates through multiple biological action:

1. Biological competition
   The beneficial microorganisms contained in the product colonise the rhizosphere, preventing nematodes from settling and feeding on the roots.

2. Production of natural enzymes
   Some species present in Nematech release enzymes and natural substances that degrade the cell walls of the nematode eggs and larvaeby reducing its population.

3. Induction of the plant's natural defences (SRI)
   Plants treated with Nematech develop a increased resistance to pest attacksstrengthening their natural defence system.

4. Improving soil health
   Thanks to the presence of useful micro-organisms, the terrain becomes more fertile and biologically activeand promote a balanced and sustainable growth of crops.

In a few weeks, the application of Nematech allows us to observe a significant reduction of the nematode population and a improving the vegetative state of plants.

The advantages of Nematech

Choose Nematech means adopting a modern and sustainable biological strategy for crop protection.

Among the main advantages:

• Zero chemical residuesThe product is completely natural and leaves no harmful traces for the environment or consumers.

• Safety and compatibilitycan be used in organic and integrated farmingin combination with other fertilisers or biostimulants.

• Preventive and curative actioneffective for both protecting new installations both for restoring already infested land.

• Increased productivityhealthier plants and stronger roots guarantee better and higher quality yields.

Nematech is particularly suitable for horticultural, fruit and greenhouse cropswhere nematode pressure is highest.

Our philosophy: research and sustainability

Like MS Biotechwe believe that the future of agriculture steps through biotechnological innovation.
Our aim is to provide effective and environmentally friendly productscapable of regenerating the soil, reduce the use of chemicals and promoting sustainable agriculture.

Nematech was born from this vision: to unite scientific research, sustainability and performance in a single solution that helps farmers to combating phytoparasitic nematodes so natural, safe and durable.

Conclusione

The nematodes represent a complex challenge for modern agriculture, but today it is possible to tackle it with effective and sustainable biological tools.
With Nematech, MS Biotech offers a concrete answer for protecting crops, improve soil fertility and promote environmentally friendly agriculture.