ABSTRACT Copper(I) oxide nanoparticles (Cu 2 O NPs) were synthesized via an electrochemical method using sodium citrate, sodium chloride, and copper electrodes. The physicochemical properties of the Cu 2 O‐NPs were characterized using various analytical techniques such as x‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and UV–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). The photocatalytic activity of the Cu 2 O‐NPs was assessed by monitoring the removal of methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solution under ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. The results demonstrated exhibited high photocatalytic activity toward MO degradation under UV irradiation, achieving 99.45% removal within 160 min with a rate constant of 0.03713 min −1 . In addition to evaluating their photocatalytic properties, we also examined the antibacterial activity of Cu 2 O NPs using the agar diffusion method against Gram‐positive bacteria ( Bacillus subtilis , Penicillium sp.) and the nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci . Reactive molecular dynamics simulations elucidated molecular degradation mechanisms, providing nanoscale insights into MO breakdown. These findings underscore Cu 2 O‐NPs’ potential as efficient photocatalysts for environmental remediation.

The purpose of the research is determine the optimal time and temperature parameters for the extraction of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus nematodes by Baermann-funnel method from pine wood of Pinus sylvestris L. Materials and methods. P. sylvestris logs 22–25 cm long, cut from a 15-year-old visually healthy pine tree, were infested with the pine wood stem nematode B. xylophilus and incubated for 45 days in a thermostat at 27 °C. Further, sawdust was obtained by drilling nematode-infested logs with a drill to form a single wood substrate sample. Berman's funnel technique was used to extract nematodes from the wood sample. The experiments included four replications of 8 samples each. Nematode abundance was counted after 6, 24 and 48 hours at 18 and 25 °C. The data were processed in MS Excel. Results and discussion. The conducted studies showed that about 80% of the nematodes were extracted within the first 24 hours. This period is optimal for nematological analysis. The number of nematodes extracted in the following 24 hours was about 20%. Temperature between 18 and 25 °C influenced the degree of nematode extraction from the wood substrate, but not always significantly. The numbers of extracted nematodes in different samples obtained from the single mixed substrate differed significantly, which can be explained by the aggregation of their distribution in the wood substrate.

Protein phosphatase 2C (PP2C) proteins play crucial roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, PP2C gene family members in Ipomoea trifida (wild relative of sweet potato) have not been comprehensively investigated, thereby limiting our understanding of their functions. We identified 91 PP2C genes (ItfPP2C1-91) that were unevenly distributed across all 15 I. trifida chromosomes. On the basis of a phylogenetic analysis, these genes were classified into 13 subfamilies, with subfamilies E, A, and D containing the most genes. Conserved motif and gene structure analyses revealed subfamily-specific patterns, with motif 2 identified as the most conserved motif. Numerous promoter cis-acting elements related to hormone responses and stress tolerance were identified. Tissue-specific ItfPP2C expression patterns were observed, with several genes expressed at high levels in all examined tissues, while other genes were expressed in specific tissues. Under drought conditions, most PP2C genes had upregulated expression levels, with significant increases in ItfPP2C15, 16, 30, and 77 (subfamily A) expression suggesting that they may be key drought-responsive candidate genes. In response to a stem nematode infection, ItfPP2C30, ItfPP2C77, and ItfPP2C89 were differentially expressed between resistant and susceptible varieties. Moreover, ItfPP2C90 expression was significantly induced in Z22 and L9 at 12h. Hence, these genes may be involved in disease resistance. A protein interaction network analysis identified proteins that may interact with ItfPP2C30 and ItfPP2C77, most of which were ABA receptors (PYLs) and kinases (SnRK2s). Our comprehensive analysis of the PP2C gene family in I. trifida provides valuable insights into their evolutionary relationships, structural features, and potential functions related to growth and stress responses. ItfPP2C30 and ItfPP2C77 were identified as promising candidates for improving both drought and nematode resistance, with the encoded proteins potentially interacting with PYL and SnRK2 proteins in stress-related signaling pathways.

Summary The stem and bulb nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci , is a plant-parasitic nematode that causes significant losses in crop production. Management practices against plant-parasitic nematodes are commonly implemented in the soil. Brown mustard, Brassica juncea , has significant potential as an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) product against plant-parasitic nematodes like D. dipsaci , but its efficacy depends on optimising cultivation and extraction parameters. This study investigated the influence of planting time, plant part and extraction method on the profile of B. juncea ’s bioactive compound. Additionally, the ability of B. juncea to immobilise D. dipsaci in vitro was examined. Seeds were cultivated at four different times (23 September and 11 October 2022, 1 March 2023 and 17 April 2023) and the plants were separated into parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and whole plant), then processed using sonication (SAE) or microwave + sonication (MSAE) extraction. Phenolic compounds and glucosinolates of extracts were analysed. Furthermore, an in vitro nematode immobility test of the extracts was carried out against D. dipsaci . Ferulic acid was identified as the predominant phenolic compound in both extraction methods, particularly in the leaves and whole plant, followed by sinapic acid in the leaves. Sinigrin and glucoraphanin were the predominant glucosinolates. The highest total glucosinolate content was found in whole plant samples from the March planting by SAE. While the extraction method did not alter the yield of bioactive compounds, it significantly impacted nematode mobility. The highest nematode immobility (mean: 76.8%) was achieved with extracts from the stems, leaves and whole plant of the autumn plantings (September/October) using the SAE method. These results provide a framework for maximising the biopesticidal potential of brown mustard, contributing to the development of effective, plant-based crop protection products.

While plant-parasitic nematodes cause significant economic losses, integrated pest management using plant-based natural products shows promise. Bitter almonds contain the amygdalin molecule, which releases toxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when hydrolysed. This study aims to determine the amygdalin content, extraction yield, and antioxidant capacity in extracts obtained using conventional and ultrasonic-assisted extraction methods from bitter almond by-products collected in Karaman in 2023. Additionally, it aims to determine the inhibitory effect of the extracts and authentic amygdalin against the stem and bulb nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kühn, 1857) (Rhabditida: Anguinidae) and their EC50 values. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction recovered more amygdalin than conventional extraction. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated stronger antioxidant activity. Ultrasonic-assisted extract (BAU) at 1 mg·mL-1 concentration (90.38±3.70%) and conventional extract (BAC) at 2 mg·mL-1 concentration (93.46±1.14%) (p

Mounting evidence suggests that lineage-specific genes drive phenotype diversity. Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs), among the most destructive plant pathogens, have evolved innovated traits required for plant parasitism, yet the genetic basis remains unclear. Here, we identify PPN lineage-specific genes (PPNLSGs) and analyze the large-scale protein interactome of their encoded proteins (PPNLSPs). By using yeast two-hybrid assays, we identify 2705 protein-protein interactions involving PPNLSPs from stem nematode Ditylenchus destructor, and by using computational methods, we predict conserved interactions of D. destructor proteins at the genome-wide level. Integration of these data allows generating a comprehensive protein interactome map, showing established complexes and PPNLSP modules, and allowing functional annotations for 306 uncharacterized PPNLSPs. Among these interactions, we identify multiple PPNLSPs associated with chemotaxis and infectivity based on these PPNLSP modules and propose a chemotaxis pathway model of host seeking. Our study indicates PPNLSGs as drivers of PPN adaptive innovations and provides a reference resource for future research on PPN biology and control strategies.

Stem nematode disease, the most prevalent of three major diseases in northern China, causes huge sweet potato production losses. In this study, the resistant (Zhenghong22) and sensitive (Longshu9) parents, and the F1 segregating population mixed pools (Resistant- and Sensitive-Mixed) having extreme resistance traits, were used for BSA-Seq, BSR-Seq, and transcriptomic analyses to locate stem nematode disease resistance-conferring genes in sweet potato. Transcriptome results indicated that ethylene and ABA were the main hormones involved in disease resistance regulation, with secondary metabolic pathways playing crucial roles. In total, 7 and 17 candidate regions, which contained 743 candidate genes, were identified in the BSA-Seq and BSR-Seq analyses, respectively. Eight candidate genes were identified using a combined analysis. The protein phosphatase 2C gene itf15g20460, the signal transduction-related gene itf00g76200, and an unknown functional gene itf00g75950, were identified as key resistance gene candidates through RT-qPCR validation in mixed pools and individuals. These results will be beneficial to the cultivation of nematode-resistant sweet potato cultivars.

Source: Cammalleri, S. R., et al. Culturing and Screening the Plant Parasitic Nematode Ditylenchus dipsaci. J. Vis. Exp. (2022). In this video, we demonstrate a screening assay to identify the efficacy of small-molecule nematicides against nematodes. Nematicides are considered effective if they cause a decrease in the number of mobile nematodes in the sample after exposure.

The stem nematode (Ditylenchus destructor Thorne) is a pervasive and destructive plant-parasitic nematode worldwide, inflicting severe agricultural and economic losses in a wide range of crops. Despite its global impact, the molecular mechanisms underlying plant resistance to this pathogen remain poorly understood. Our previous studies in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) identified IbPIF1 as one of the most strongly induced genes following stem nematode infection, positioning it as a key candidate for unravelling host defence strategies. In this study, we revealed that overexpression of IbPIF1 not only activates systemic immunity and strengthens physical barrier functions, but also drives the accumulation of phytoalexins, significantly enhancing nematode resistance in transgenic plants. Furthermore, IbPIF1 enhances the accumulation of defensive compounds, including lignin, callose and terpenoids, which are vital for the resilience of plants against stem nematode infection. Intriguingly, genetic and molecular analysis shows that IbMVD, a pivotal gene in the regulation of terpenoid synthesis, operates downstream of IbPIF1 in this defence network. Specifically, IbPIF1 directly binds to the promoter of IbMVD, inducing its expression and thereby modulating terpenoid-mediated resistance. These results suggest that IbPIF1 plays a pivotal regulatory role in a complex transcriptional network controlling the stem nematode response. This work advances our understanding of plant-nematode interactions and opens avenues for engineering nematode-resistant crops through genetic manipulation.

This study was conducted to determine the nematode biodiversity in corn (Zea mays L.) growing areas in Tekirdağ, Türkiye. For this purpose, corn fields in Malkara, Şarköy, Süleymanpaşa, and Hayrabolu were surveyed, and a total of 62 soil samples were collected from a soil depth of 0-60 cm. Nematodes were isolated by centrifugal flotation using 475 g/L sugar solution. Nematode identifications were made using polytomous keys. In the study, 30 nematode genera were identified, and among these genera, 11 were plant parasites, three were fungal feeders, nine were bacterial feeders, five were omnivores, and two were predators. Some of the plant parasitic species identified in the study included Ditylenchus dipsaci, Helicotylenchus digonicus, H. varicaudatus, Pratylenchus penetrans, P. thornei, P. neglectus, Paratylenchus nainianus, Rotylenchus cypriensis, and Tylenchorhynchus annulatus. Among all Aphelenchus (Aphelenchida: Aphelenchidae), Cephalobus (Rhabditida: Cephalobidae), Filenchus (Tylenchida: Tylenchidae), and Geocenamus (Tylenchida: Merliniidae) were the most abundant and common genera and the heat map generated with XLSTAT represents the nematode abundance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most recent taxonomic study on nematode diversity in corn fields in Tekirdağ province.

Excessive nitrogen fertilization in sweet potato cultivation poses significant ecological and economic challenges in China, negatively impacting soil health by altering microbial community diversity, enzyme activities, and increasing the risk of stem nematode damage. In this study, we conducted a field trial in Northeast China, applying 0-72 kg of urea-N per hectare to brown soil under a five-year sweet potato cropping system. The results demonstrated that optimal nitrogen fertilization (64.8 kg ha-1) significantly promoted beneficial microbial populations, enhanced soil urease activity, and reduced the incidence of stem nematode disease while maintaining high sweet potato yields.

The distribution of economically significant plant-parasitic nematodes in pulse crops in the Canadian Prairies is relatively unknown. Reports suggested that Ditylenchus dipsaci in yellow pea export was likely the nonquarantine species D. weischeri, a Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) parasite. To determine if D. dipsaci is found in pulse plants and understand nematode distribution in the Canadian Prairies, a survey was conducted in commercial yellow pea, lentil and chickpea fields in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Samples of pulse and thistle plants (flowers or pods, stems and leaves) and soil were collected from 94 fields. Nematodes were identified by morphological features and molecular analyses (species-specific PCR, PCR-RFLP, and sequencing of the partial 18S, 28S and ITS of the rDNA gene). High densities of plant-parasitic nematodes — Pratylenchus, Paratylenchus, Helicotylenchus and Telotylenchinae — were found in several fields. Ditylenchus weischeri, a parasite of thistles and not pulse crops, was recovered from 20 fields across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba; D. dipsaci was found in pods of one yellow pea field in Manitoba. These results confirm the high prevalence of D. weischeri on creeping thistle in pulse fields and the near absence of the quarantine pest D. dipsaci.

A new species of the genus Ditylenchoides, D. agaricivorus n. sp., collected from coconut fiber used as growing media for staghorn ferns and intercepted during import quarantine, is described and illustrated herein based on morphological and molecular studies. The new species is characterized by a body length of 728 (612–846) μm and 641 (511–720) μm in female and male, respectively, delicate stylet 8.0 (7.4–8.4) μm long, six lines in the lateral field, median bulb of esophagus well-developed, muscular with crescentic valve, post-vulval uterine sac well-developed, 36 (22–52) μm long, female tail elongate-conoid with finely rounded terminus. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the D2D3 expansion region of 28S rRNA and ITS confirmed the close molecular relationship between D. agaricivorus n. sp., and other Ditylenchoides species such as D. africanus, D. arachis, D. destructor, D. halictus, D. myceliophagus and D. persicus. Ditylenchoides agaricivorus n. sp. was successfully reared on the Rhizoctonia solani and Agaricus biporus. However, D. agaricvorus n. sp. did not reproduce when culturing on Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus erungii, Volcariella volvacea, A. bitorquis, nor on callused carrot disks, and alfalfa seedlings.

It is known that the interaction of organisms with each other occurs in close connection with the environment. It was in the environment that the genomes of different plants were formed, populations of species and biocenoses were formed, which were influenced by various factors, sometimes leading to changes in the ecological space, disrupting the ecological balance of agricultural landscapes. The ecological conditions of the North Caucasus region have a distinctly extreme character and impose rather stringent requirements on the biological characteristics of the crops cultivated in the region, especially potatoes. For normal growth and development in a given region, introduced plants must have ontogenetic adaptivity, ensuring sustainable productivity formation in conditions of rapid changes in leading abiotic and biotic factors. The region has huge potential to solve the food problems of the population by growing basic foodstuffs directly in the regions of the republics, especially potatoes. Therefore, the purpose of our research was to develop and theoretically substantiate the elements of significance of a variety with a genetically high immunity of resistance against potato diseases in the ecological space of agricultural landscapes. The importance of our research is especially important because every year it becomes more difficult to grow a full-fledged, high-quality, environmentally friendly potato crop due to global environmental changes that contribute to the reproduction and spread of pathogens of viral and fungal diseases. The research results showed that the treatment of seed material before planting with the Mival-Agro preparation, a dose of 2 g / ha, and spraying during the growing season – 20 g / ha, had a positive effect on growth and development, yield. The lesion of potato plants was minimal and ranged from 0.2 – 0.4%, the serological estimate from 0.1 to 1.2%. Damage to plants by stem nematode decreased from 1.3 to 0%. The potato yield in the studied variants was 25.6 -26.9 t/ha for the Vladikavkaz variety, 26.4-27.0 t/ha for the Predgorny variety.

The purpose of the research is to study pine bursaphelenchosis foci identified in Vladimir Region and to describe the epiphytotic process at bursaphelenchosis of common pine Pinus sylvestris caused by the coniferous wood nematode Bursaphelenchus mucronatus Mamiya, Enda, 1979.Materials and methods. Research was conducted on the wilt of pine P. sylvestris L. in July 1998 in the Gus-Khrustalniy district of Vladimir Region. The symptoms of the lesion are similar to wilt caused by the nematode B. xylophilus. Selected large branches with yellow or red needles from 4 wilt centers. Rotten wood with bark beetle tracks was taken from windbroken trees. Externally uninfected trees were stripped of their bark and pieces of wood were cut. In the lab, the samples were pulverized, cut and placed in water. Nematodes were counted under binoculars. Nematodes were identified using methods generally accepted in phytohelminthology.Results and discussion. Foci of phytohelminthosis were found in pine plantations of Gus-Khrustalny District. The symptoms are similar to pine stem nematode infection, including yellow or red needles and tree death. B. mucronatus nematodes were found in small and large branches, trunks with bark beetle passages and in tree wood with alternating light and dark bluish layers. Capricorn beetles Monochamus spp. are vectors of the pathogen. B. mucronatus, phytopathogenic fungi, and symbiont bacteria contribute to pine death. Capricorn beetles lay eggs the larvae of which eat wood and complete the epiphytotic process. Transportation of contaminated materials facilitates the spread of bursaphelenchosis over long distances. Increasing air temperature increases the symptoms of bursaphelenchosis.

Summary The stem and bulb nematode, a globally distributed pest, primarily affects onions and garlic, causing significant yield losses. Chemical treatments are a practical and effective method for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes to protect high-value crops. However, to minimise environmental damage, chemicals of natural origin need to be investigated. Brown mustard (Brassica juncea) plant is an annual plant in the Brassicaceae family, which is rich in bioactive compounds called glucosinolates. These bioactive compounds play a major role in the defence of Brassica plants against biotic stress factors in nature. Based on this point, efforts to develop plant protection products from the brown mustard plant are ongoing. In this study, the most suitable pre-extraction and extraction conditions were determined to ensure the maximum preservation of glucosinolate content and biological activity, to process brown mustard on an industrial scale. For this purpose, steam treatment was applied before extraction at 3 bar (=3 × 105 Pa) pressure for 1 and 3 min. Four different temperatures (room temperature, 40, 55 and 70°C) and two different methanol concentrations (70% and 80%) were tested to optimise glucosinolates extraction from brown mustard. It was found that sinigrin was the most abundant glucosinolate, with extraction yields 1184.4 ± 14.4 mg kg−1 at 55°C for 3 min, and 2624.2 ± 98.5 mg kg−1 at 70°C/70% MeOH for 1 min. However, nematode immobility was higher at 55°C/70% MeOH for 3 min. It was determined that the application of hot steam for 3 min at 3 bar pressure as a pre-extraction process provided optimal conditions for methanolic extraction. The results may contribute significantly to the development of potential plant protection products with further studies.

Stem nematode (Ditylenchus destructor Thorne) is considered one of the most economically devastating species affecting sweet potato production. Biocontrol offers a sustainable strategy for nematode control. This study conducted a pot experiment to evaluate the biocontrol efficacy of Paecilomyces lilacinus CS-Z and Bacillus pumilus Y-26 against the stem nematode, as well as to examine their influence on the bacterial communities in the sweet potato rhizosphere. The findings indicated that B.pumilus Y-26 and P.lilacinus CS-Z exhibited respective suppression rates of 82.9% and 85.1% against the stem nematode, while also stimulating sweet potato plant growth. Both high-throughput sequencing and Biolog analysis revealed distinct impacts of the treatments on the bacterial communities. At the phylum level, B.pumilus Y-26 enhanced the abundance of Actinobacteria but reduced the abundance of Cyanobacteria, with P.lilacinus CS-Z exhibiting similar effects. Additionally, the treatment with B.pumilus Y-26 resulted in increased abundances of Crossiella, Gaiella, Bacillus, and Streptomyces at the genus level, while the treatment with P.lilacinus CS-Z showed increased abundances of Crossiella and Streptomyces. In contrast, the abundance of Pseudarthrobacter was reduced in the treatment with B.pumilus Y-26. Conversely, the application of the nematicide fosthiazate exhibited minor influence on the bacterial community. The findings indicated that the application of P.lilacinus CS-Z and B.pumilus Y-26 led to an increase in the relative abundances of beneficial microorganisms, including Gaiella, Bacillus, and Streptomyces, in the rhizosphere soil. In conclusion, P.lilacinus CS-Z and B.pumilus Y-26 demonstrated their potential as environmentally friendly biocontrol agents for managing stem nematode disease of sweet potato.

Discovery of novel nematicidal active ingredient 2,4,7-trichloroquinazoline as a potential succinic dehydrogenase inhibitor

During a fifteen-year period of work carried out by the Test facility for the farm acquisition to be used to conduct efficacy trials against nematodes, a survey was carried out on nematological problems occurring in the Campania Region. The investigations has shown that the genus Meloidogyne spp., in particular the species M. incognita, is the most widespread and harmful trophic group. These nematodes are found in particular on horticultural plants in the sandy soils of the coastal areas and especially under protected conditions. Infestations of the cyst nematodes Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida on potato in the neighbouring Caserta and Neapolitan areas, H. goettingiana on leguminous plants, especially peas, and H. daverti on carnation in the Vesuvian foothills are also common. In the Nocerino-Sarnese countryside, infestations by the stem and bulb nematode, Ditylenchus dipsaci, on onions are still severe. On fruit trees are common Mesocriconema xenoplax on actinidia, Meloidogyne incognita and M. hapla on peach trees and Tylenchulus semipenetrans on citrus fruits. Among the virus transmitting nematodes, Xiphinema diversicaudatum is very harmful to peach trees in Terra di Lavoro, in the Carinola (Caserta) area, and X. index to grapevines in the Benevento and Avellino areas. Key Words: phytoparasitic nematodes, crops, distribution, damage.

The article provides information about phytonematodes found in potato soils and its root system in the Bulungur, Tailak, Samarkand, Pastdargom districts of the Samarkand region. During the study, 109 species of plant nematodes were discovered. According to the ecological classification, among devisaprobionts - 33 species and phytohelminths - 26 species (ectoparasites, endoparasites) predominate, pararisobionts - 20 species, mycohelminths - 23 species, eusaprobionts - 7 species. In the studied regions, plant nematodes of potato crops differed from each other in the diversity of species and the number of individuals. In the fauna of potato nematodes and soils around its roots, the Tailak (62 species) and Samarkand (59 species) regions dominated in terms of species diversity and number of individuals, while in the Bulungur (52 species) and Pastdargom (52 species) regions these species were relatively poorly represented. The Samarkand and Tailak regions have the greatest similarity between the faunal complexes of the potato nematode (0.67), the Samarkand and Pastdargom regions have the least similarity between the faunal complexes (0.58), while the similarity between the Bulgur and Pastdargom regions is the least (0.48). The fact that phytonematodes have slight differences in similarity coefficients between faunal complexes was explained due to the fact that they are formed in the same region both by soil type and climatic conditions. Among the plant nematodes found in potatoes, relatively common endoparasite species are Pratylenchus pratensis, Meloidogyne arenarai, Ditylenchus dipsaci which pose a threat to plants.