Nematicidal Potential of Enzymatic Extracts of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus on Different Stages of Potato Cyst Nematode Globodera pallida

Abstract

This study investigates the biocontrol efficacy of enzymatic extracts from specific strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (strain Dokkala) and Bacillus cereus (strain B613) to assess their impact on various stages of the potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida eggs, juveniles and cysts. In vitro assays demonstrated that enzymes from strain Dokkala significantly reduced the number of cysts by up to 49%, while achieving 68% mortality in juveniles and 55% in eggs after 10 days of incubation. Similarly, strain B613 exhibited a nematicidal effect of 55% and 44% for chitinase and protease, respectively, on juveniles after the same incubation period. Notably, a synergistic interaction between the enzymes from both strains led to an enhanced nematicidal effect beyond individual applications, surpassing 68% in juveniles. The study underlines the potential of these bacterial enzymes as a sustainable alternative to chemical nematicides, combining for the first time P. aeruginosa and B. cereus against G. pallida, offering a promising strategy for managing potato cyst nematodes in agricultural settings. This approach aligns with the growing need for environmentally friendly pest control methods, contributing valuable insights into the potential of microbial enzymes in integrated pest management.