BIO-BASED APPROACHES FOR SUSTAINABLE CONTROL OF ROOT KNOT NEMATODES

Aim 1: Develop novel bio-based carriers for encapsulating four diverse classes of plant-derived biochemical extracts with potential nematicidal and attractant properties for root-knot nematodes and evaluate the affinity of these bio-based combinations for targeting these nematodes in model systems and soil.Aim 2: Assess the ability of these bio-based compositions to enhance nematicidal activity while reducing phytotoxicity in soil/plant microcosms and evaluate the mechanisms of affinity-enhanced nematicidal activity of these bio-based compositions.Aim 3: Evaluate the translation of these optimized formulations to control root-knot nematodes using greenhouse pot trials, microplot, and field trials using tomato and melon as model crops and develop a techno-economic analysis for developing a bio-based approach.Aim 4: Develop an extension and education program to engage growers and farm workers to create awareness of the challenges of conventional approaches and the opportunities with these bio-based solutions