Nematodes: what they are and how to control them
The nematodiNematodes, or roundworms, are a large class of organisms that play a significant role in ecosystems around the world. These microscopic, unsegmented worms can be parasites of plants,animals and even humans, causing a number of problems in agriculture, animal husbandry and medicine. However, thanks to advances in biotechnology, innovative solutions can be found to tackle these problems.
Nematodes are often called'invisible worms'because they are so small that they are not visible to the naked eye. However, despite their tiny size, they can cause significant damage in various sectors.A common example is agriculture, where parasitic nematodes of plant roots can drastically reduce crop yields. These pests feed on plant roots,impairing the plants' ability to absorb nutrients and water, and causing symptoms such as yellowing, wilting and retarded growth.
Furthermore, in the context of animal husbandry, nematodes can infect farm animals such as cattle, sheep and pigs. This can lead to reduced production of meat, milk and eggs, together with high costs for treatment and prevention of nematode infections. In the medical field, some nematodes can cause serious human diseases such as elephantiasis and roundworm, compromising the health of millions of people worldwide.
The challenge of nematode control
Nematode control is a complex challenge. Many traditional solutions, such as chemical pesticides, can have negative side effects on the environment and human health, as well as selecting resistant nematode strains. This underlines the importance of looking for sustainable and effective alternatives to manage the nematode problem.
The role of biotechnology in roundworm control
Biotechnology offers significant potential to tackle the nematode problem in a more targeted and environmentally friendly way. MS Biotech scientists are harnessing the power of biotechnology to develop innovative solutions that can help solve this challenge.
MS Biotech products for nematode control
At MS Biotech are dedicated to developing innovative products for nematode control. These products can be divided into several categories:
- Biological nematicides: we have developed nematicides based on beneficial microorganisms or natural extracts that can be used to control harmful nematode populations. These biological nematicides are a sustainable solution that can reduce the use of environmentally harmful chemical pesticides.
- Genomic studies: Biotechnology also enables the study of the nematode genome, which provides crucial information to better understand their behaviour and develop targeted control strategies. We invest in advanced genetic research to discover new targets and approaches for nematode control.
- Biofertilisers: we are also exploring solutions based on promoting plant growth through the use of beneficial microorganisms that improve plant resistance to nematodes. These biofertilisers can help protect crops from nematode attack and at the same time increase crop yields.
The future of nematode control
Research and development of biotechnological products for nematode control represent a major step forward in the management of this threat to agriculture,animal husbandry and human health. MS Biotech and other biotech companies are conducting advanced research and interdisciplinary collaborations to address this challenge in an innovative way.
The ultimate goal is to reduce the negative impact of nematodes on the environment and society, while protecting agricultural resources, animal and human health. Thanks to biotechnology, it is possible to look to the future with optimism, with more effective and environmentally friendly solutions for nematode control. And we at MS Biotech are at the forefront of this important mission.
NEMATECH: A valuable aid against nematodes.
After years of study and research, thanks to our laboratories, we have been able to formulate NEMATECH, an innovative liquid formulation based on viable spores of the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia that effectively helps to overcome stress caused by root system pathogens even in the presence of galls nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne spp., Heterodera spp.
Thanks to the use of this product, according to the right doses recommended by our experts, thousands of farmers have been able to solve this annoying problem in a natural way over the years.
