What can be said is that in the practice of organic farming pests and diseases are natural enemies which are fought constantly. Among them the most dangerous is root-knot nematodes, especially species of Meloidogyne which is a very potential threat to corn plants. Farmers are always in a constant search for ways to eradicate these pests without necessarily admixing their farming techniques. Meet Paecilomyces lilacinus uses – a wonder bug that has provided a glimmer of hope to nematode attack plagued organic farmers. Growers are able to provide products such as Nema Pro from Novobac which ease the impact of root-knot nematodes on farming besides enhancing the fertility of the soil.
A Farmer’s Story: Improved Management of Nematode Pests
Welcome to our show, Jack Thompson is an organic corn farmer located in the mid-western region. Jack has been into farming techniques that have no harm to nature and its elements for the last 10 years and plants the crops that are healthy and fresh. However, in recent years, he noticed alarming signs in his cornfields: includes growth cessation, leaf chlorosis, and reduced plant vigour. He undertook some research and realized that his fields were infested by root-knot nematodes that were damaging his crops.
‘Both Jack and Jill’ Jack, especially, admits to having prior knowledge about root-knot nematodes but could hardly imagine these would have a severe effect on its corn crop. “I had to move fast as this was the only source of income I had.” Feeling the pressure, Jack looked at the options that are environmentally friendly because he wanted to embrace organic farming.
ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES: A Review of Knowledge
Such pests as root-knot nematodes are economically destructive pests which invade the root systems of plants and form galls or knots. These galls impair the flows of nutrients and water within the plant thus leading to decreased yields. When Jack started searching for organic methods he found out about the existing fungus known as Paecilomyces lilacinus that is a parasite of nematodes which helped to lower their numbers considerably.
Discovering Nema Pro
After his study, Jack learned about Nema Pro,paecilomyces lilacinus for nematode control, which includes the new scientific name Purpureocillium lilacinum of Paecilomyces lilacinus. “When you consider, this biological agent could just be used to tackle nematodes yet it benefits my soils as well,” Jack elaborates. “It seemed like a place of absolute organicity for the practices up to my expectations”.
Absorbing useful advice from agriculturalists who had instructed him on how to use this Nema Pro, Jack decided to embark on using it. Photo source: The author In preparation for treatment, he had clean cornfields to minimize interference of weeds and other obstacles.
Applying Nema Pro
Jack used Nema Pro on his fields when the corn plants were young, in the early growth stage that is. “The application was easy,” he says. I diluted the product with water and utilised a backpack sprayer to allow for a big application-area coverage. I also applied it into the soil so that it would get to the root area where nematodes are always most found.”
He applied the Novobac’s product as per the application rates and timing they provided to him. In less than weeks, Jack was able to realize changes on his corn. The plants grew back to healthy and he started noticing that nematode damage was minimal. Instead of that, ‘it was a relief to see my corn thriving again as they are showing signs of recovery,’ he noted. These are but a few of the actual quotations of vegetable farmers who benefited from the use of the Nema Pro: “Nema Pro saved my crops from disaster.”, “Nema Pro gave my crops the shot in the arm they needed to rally.”
The Impact on Soil Health
Apart from suppressing nematode populations, Jack also realized that the use of Nema Pro had an efficient effect on his soil health. “The soil structure improved, and there was enhanced microbial activity,” he noted. : This transformation was significant, leaving his fields with a more resistant ecosystem of pests and diseases affecting his corn.
A Sustainable Future
This paper examines the use of biological approach to farming as evidenced by Jack’s case on Nema Pro. He not only saved his corn crop from root-knot nematodes but also ensured that he will continue to embrace sustainable agriculture. ‘That is why employing products such as Nema Pro helps me to keep my organic status while addressing the issues of contemporary farming’, he verifies.
Conclusion
To sum up, modern organic farmers like Jack Thompson deal with root-knot nematodes including the newest techniques like Paecilomyces lilacinus and Nema Pro. To know more about how to control root knot nematodes,visit Novobac. Besides, more challenges are observed now in agriculture through pests and diseases. If the industry has to adopt suitable practices of maintaining the health of the soil of local as well as global imports, one has no option than to embrace the biological solutions for the production. If farmers are encouraged to share their stories and experiences they can help prod more people to look into effective methods for protecting their produce and the ecosystem as well. It is, however, patrons like Nema Pro that hold the potential for future success in organic corn farming.