Phytoparasitic nematodes are one of the major pests of sufarcane. One of
these destructive nematodes is the Criconemoides sp. They can only be
controlled with the application of highly toxic chemicals which are mostly
discouraged due to their undesirable secondary effects such as high costs as
well as environmental and health hazards. Because of this, the use of
biological control against these nematodes is being considered, specifically
the nematophagous fungi.

Nematophagous fungi are natural enemies and an effective control agent
against phytoparasitic nematodes. However, their population in the soil has
greatly decreased due to repeated application of fertilizers and pesticides.
A recent study isolated a fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum from the
sugarcane nematode Criconemoides sp. and tested its pathogenicity on the
nematode population in Veracruz, Mexico. They monitored the in vitro
infection process of Criconemoides sp. as well as the effect of the fungus
on nematodes in greenhouse using naturally infested soil and plants.

Blastospores and mycelia from the fungi were observed within the body of the
nematode within only 48 hours of infection. The population of these
nematodes was significantly lower in the biocontrol than in the control
treatment after only ten days from the application of the fungus. The fungus
used in the experiment efficiently reduced the population of nematodes.
However, field testing of this fungus should be conducted in order to
determine its potential effectiveness under field crop conditions.

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