How Nematodes Damage Plants

Bayer Global

30 Jul 202101:23

Summary

TLDRNematodes, such as root knot nematodes, are microscopic worms that cause significant crop losses by attacking plant roots, leading to poor growth and reduced yields. Bayer's fluopuram, a chemical nematicide, is applied through drip irrigation to target and paralyze these pests, while BioAct, a biological alternative, attacks nematode eggs to prevent new infestations. Both solutions promote a healthy root system for robust plant growth and high yields, illustrating the importance of scientific innovation for sustainable agriculture.

Takeaways

🐛 Nematodes cause significant damage to fruits and vegetables worldwide.
🌱 Root knot nematodes are a type of eel worm that live in the soil and attack plant roots.
🔍 Nematodes penetrate roots, reproduce, and cause root galling, leading to poor plant growth.
💧 They extract water and nutrients from the root system, weakening the plants.
🛡️ Fluopiram from Bayer is a chemical solution that stops nematode attacks.
🚿 The active substance in Fluopiram is applied through a drip irrigation system to target the roots.
🐛 Treated nematodes become paralyzed and die, preventing further damage.
🌿 Bayer's biological nematicide, BioAct, targets remaining nematode eggs.
🌱 BioAct, applied via drip irrigation, uses a fungus to parasitize and destroy nematode eggs.
🌱 A healthy root system, supported by these treatments, leads to robust plant growth and high yields.

Q & A

What are nematodes and how do they affect crops?
-Nematodes are tiny eel-like worms that live in the soil and attack plant roots. They cause heavy yield and crop losses globally by penetrating the roots, reproducing, and causing root galling, which leads to poor plant growth and nutrient and water deprivation.
How do nematodes reproduce and harm the plant roots?
-Nematodes reproduce by penetrating the root system, where they start to reproduce and cause root galling. This process weakens the plant, leading to poor growth and health.
What is fluopiram and how does it help in controlling nematodes?
-Fluopiram is a chemical from Bayer that stops nematode attacks. Its active substance is applied to the soil through a drip irrigation system, targeting the root system precisely. Treated nematodes become paralyzed and die off, preventing further damage.
How does the application of fluopiram through drip irrigation help in targeting nematodes?
-Applying fluopiram through drip irrigation allows for a precise delivery of the active substance directly to the root system, ensuring that the nematodes are effectively treated without affecting other parts of the plant.
What is Bayer's biological nematicide BioAct and how does it work?
-BioAct is a biological nematicide from Bayer that destroys remaining nematode eggs. It can be applied directly via a drip irrigation system, where it parasitizes the nematode eggs, preventing the larvae from hatching and infecting new roots.
How does the fungus in BioAct contribute to the control of nematodes?
-The fungus in BioAct starts to parasitize the nematode eggs, which prevents the larvae from hatching, thus controlling the nematode population and protecting the plant roots.
What benefits does a healthy root system provide to plants?
-A healthy root system enables good plant growth and high-yield production by effectively absorbing water and nutrients, which are essential for the overall health and productivity of the plant.
How do fluopiram and BioAct complement each other in nematode control?
-Fluopiram targets and paralyzes adult nematodes, while BioAct focuses on destroying nematode eggs and preventing the hatching of larvae. Together, they provide a comprehensive approach to controlling nematode populations.
What is the role of drip irrigation in the application of nematicides?
-Drip irrigation plays a crucial role in the application of nematicides by ensuring that the treatment is delivered directly to the root zone, maximizing the effectiveness of the nematicides and minimizing the impact on the environment.
How does the control of nematodes contribute to fair science for a better life?
-Controlling nematodes through effective and targeted treatments like fluopiram and BioAct contributes to fair science by promoting sustainable agriculture practices, which in turn leads to better crop yields and improved food security.

Outlines

00:00

🐛 Nematode Damage and Bayer's Solution

Nematodes, particularly root knot nematodes, are microscopic worms that cause significant damage to fruit and vegetable crops worldwide by living in the soil and attacking plant roots. They penetrate the roots, reproduce, and cause galling, which leads to poor plant growth due to the depletion of water and nutrients. Bayer offers a solution with fluopiram, an active substance applied through drip irrigation to target the root system, paralyzing the nematodes and preventing their development. Additionally, Bayer's biological nematicide, Bioact, is used to destroy remaining nematode eggs, preventing further infestation. These treatments ensure a healthy root system, leading to robust plant growth and high yields.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Nematodes

Nematodes, commonly known as roundworms, are a type of worm that can be found in various environments, including soil. In the context of the video, they are particularly significant as they cause damage to crops by attacking plant roots. The script specifically mentions 'root knot nematode' which is a type of nematode that can lead to significant crop losses in fruits and vegetables globally.

💡Crop Losses

Crop losses refer to the reduction in the quantity or quality of agricultural produce due to various factors, such as pests or diseases. The video script highlights that nematodes are 'responsible for heavy, yield and crop losses,' emphasizing the significant impact these worms have on agricultural productivity.

💡Root Knot Nematode

Root knot nematode is a specific type of plant-parasitic nematode that forms galls or knots on the roots of a wide range of plants. The script describes how the larvae of these nematodes live in the soil and attack plant roots, leading to root galling and negatively affecting plant growth.

💡Soil

Soil is the natural medium in which plants grow, providing necessary nutrients and support. The script mentions that nematodes 'live in the soil,' indicating the environment from which they initiate their attack on plant roots.

💡Reproduction

In the context of the video, reproduction refers to the process by which nematodes multiply after penetrating the plant roots. The script states that nematodes 'start to reproduce,' which is a key aspect of their life cycle and contributes to the spread of infestation.

💡Root Galling

Root galling is a condition where plant roots develop abnormal growths or 'galls' due to the presence of certain pests, such as nematodes. The script describes how nematodes cause 'root galling,' which is a visible symptom of nematode infestation.

💡Fluopiramide

Fluopiramide is a chemical nematicide mentioned in the script as a solution to combat nematode attacks. It is applied to the soil via a drip irrigation system, allowing it to target the root system precisely and paralyze the nematodes.

💡Drip Irrigation System

A drip irrigation system is a method of irrigation that delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, drop by drop. In the script, it is mentioned as the method by which the active substance of fluopiramide is applied to the soil, ensuring precise targeting of the root system.

💡Bayer

Bayer is a multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company that also develops agricultural products. The script refers to Bayer as the developer of fluopiramide, indicating the company's role in providing solutions to agricultural challenges like nematode infestations.

💡Biological Nematicide

Biological nematicides are substances that control nematodes using natural organisms or their by-products. The script introduces 'bioact' as a biological nematicide from Bayer that targets nematode eggs, preventing the larvae from hatching and further infesting plant roots.

💡Parasitization

Parasitization in the context of the video refers to the process by which a biological agent, such as the fungus in 'bioact,' infects and utilizes another organism, in this case, nematode eggs, to reproduce. The script explains how 'bioact' parasitizes nematode eggs, preventing the emergence of new larvae.

💡Healthy Root System

A healthy root system is essential for optimal plant growth and yield. The script concludes by emphasizing the importance of a healthy root system enabled by the use of fluopiramide and bioact, which allows for 'good plant growth and high-yield production.'

Highlights

Nematodes cause significant yield and crop losses in fruits and vegetables globally.

Root knot nematodes are a type of tiny eel worm that live in the soil and attack plant roots.

Nematodes penetrate plant roots, reproduce, and cause root galling.

Infested plants suffer from poor growth due to nematodes sucking water and nutrients.

Fluopiram from Bayer is a solution that stops nematode attacks.

Fluopiram's active substance is applied to the soil through a drip irrigation system for precise targeting.

Treated nematodes become paralyzed and remain needle-shaped until they die off.

Bayer's biological nematicide, Bioact, destroys remaining nematode eggs.

Bioact can be applied directly via a drip irrigation system to parasitize nematode eggs.

The fungus in Bioact prevents larvae from hatching and infecting new roots.

A healthy root system is crucial for good plant growth and high-yield production.

Bayer's products contribute to fair science for a better life.

Drip irrigation systems allow for precise application of treatments to the root system.

Nematode control is essential for maintaining plant health and productivity.

Biological control methods like Bioact offer an environmentally friendly approach to pest management.

The combination of chemical and biological treatments provides a comprehensive nematode control strategy.

Effective nematode management leads to improved agricultural yields and sustainability.