Beneficial nematodes could be key to plant defenses

Research investigates entomopathogenic nematode-plant relationship

Entomopathogenic nematode - WikipediaPublished June 27, 2022, in Morning Agclips, by Adam Russell, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications

The three-year project is titled “Chemical cues from beneficial nematodes enhance plant resistance and strengthen biological control.” It was funded by U.S. Department of AgricultureNational Institute of Food and Agriculture through the Pests and Beneficial Species in Agricultural Production Systems Program.

The $680,000 grant will expand the work Helms began as a postdoctoral fellowship study in 2017. Helms is collaborating with David Shapiro-Ilan, Ph.D., at the USDA-ARS Southeastern Fruit and Tree Nut Research Station in Byron, Georgia, and Fatma Kaplan, Ph.D., at Pheronym Inc. in Woodland, California. Shapiro-Ilan and Kaplan have extensive experience and expertise focusing on nematodes and nematode pheromones, respectively.

Aside from their knowledge about EPNs, Helms said Shapiro-Ilan and Kaplan also provide expertise regarding potential commercial applications of the research to make EPNs a viable option for various users.

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Beneficial nematodes could be key to plant defenses

Pheronym is on the AgEmerge Podcast

Thank you Monte Bottens for hosting us on the AgEmerge Podcast and the opportunity to talk about the science behind our nematode pheromone technology and cost-effective environmentally friendly pest control for farmers.

The AgEmerge Podcast features new ideas, grower insights, research, and emerging technology.

To learn more about Pheronym’s technology, follow the link for the EPISODE 084.