Utilizing Chitinolytic Fungi for the Biocontrol of Root-Knot Nematode Infections

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Nematode Diseases Department, Plant Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center

10.21608/jsrs.2025.388468.1179

Abstract

Chitinolytic organisms invade soil undetected and are valuable sources of secondary metabolites. This research identified promising chitinolytic fungal strains from strawberry-growing soils for use as nematicides against root-knot nematodes, discovering five potent fungi: Aspergillus niveus, A. oryzae, Fusarium incarnatum, Purpureocillium lilacinum, and Trichoderma yunnanense. A. oryzae had the highest chitinolytic activity at 0.8427. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed beneficial volatile metabolites, and toxicological assessments showed all isolates were safe at a 1 ml/rat dose.

In lab trials, A. niveus and A. oryzae effectively prevented Meloidogyne javanica hatching, while T. yunnanense and A. niveus had the highest juvenile mortality rates. Greenhouse tests showed A. niveus reduced root-knot nematode populations by 70%, and field trials indicated that P. lilacinum and A. oryzae enhanced strawberry growth. All fungal treatments decreased nematode populations by 25.3% to 63.1% and improved strawberries' total soluble solids, sugar content, firmness, and vitamin C levels. A. oryzae increased polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (PO) activities, while T. yunnanense produced high phenolic compounds. A. niveus also raised proline content, enhancing plant resilience. This study suggests that these chitinolytic fungi can provide sustainable solutions for nematode management and improve agricultural practices.

Keywords

Journal of Scientific Research in Science
Volume 42, Issue 3
Special issue of the First Conference of Fruit, Ornamental and Woody Plants Research Department.ARC.
2025
Pages 70-101

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