Bacillus toyonensis is a gram-positive bacterium within the Bacillus cereus group, primarily recognized for its probiotic properties. Recently, a strain designated B. toyonensis biovar Thuringiensis (Bto_UNVM-94) was reported to produce parasporal crystals with dual insecticidal activity against Cydia pomonella and Anthonomus grandis. In this study, we describe and characterize a previously undescribed strain, B. toyonensis biovar Thuringiensis Bto_UNVM-42, which exhibits nematicidal and nematostatic activity, representing the first report of these effects within this species. Whole-genome sequencing revealed the presence of a large plasmid containing multiple putative pesticidal genes, including five cry genes encoding Cry32-like proteins, two additional cry genes encoding Cry69-like and Cry73-like proteins, three cyt genes encoding Cyt1-like proteins, and two mpp genes encoding Mpp-like proteins. In addition, the genome encodes four chitinases and two proteins with significant similarity to the nematicidal Sep1 protease from Bacillus firmus. Proteomic analysis of parasporal crystals confirmed the expression of Cry32-family proteins. Bioassays showed that strain Bto_UNVM-42 was not toxic to Aedes aegypti, Alphitobius diaperinus, Anthonomus grandis, Cydia pomonella or Drosophila suzukii. In contrast, it exhibited nematicidal activity against Panagrellus redivivus, low but detectable mortality (8%) against Meloidogyne javanica, and a reversible nematostatic effect on Pratylenchus zeae. Taken together, the available bioassay observations and the genomic and proteomic data are consistent with a predominantly enzyme-driven rather than a classical crystal toxin-mediated mode of action. Overall, these findings expand the known biocidal spectrum of B. toyonensis and highlight its potential relevance for the development of biological strategies for nematode management.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita) constrain olive (Olea europaea L.) production and require safer alternatives to chemical nematicides. Despite the growing interest in microbial biocontrol agents, limited information is available on how application timing and microbial consortia influence nematode suppression and host biochemical responses in olive. This greenhouse study evaluated endophytic Trichoderma (T. harzianum) and Bacillus (B. subtilis), applied alone or in combination, either before or after nematode inoculation, to determine how biocontrol treatment timing influences nematode suppression, plant performance, and host biochemical responses. Across both nematode species, preventive application consistently outperformed curative application, and the combined treatment delivered the strongest overall protection. Preventive co-application reduced nematode infection, improved root and shoot growth, attenuated oxidative damage, and preserved chlorophyll more effectively than single-agent or post-inoculation treatments. Spectroscopic (Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR)) and multivariate analyses further showed that effective treatments were associated with lower nematode-associated protein and lipid signals and stronger signatures of structural defense in root tissues. Although M. javanica caused greater physiological disruption than M. incognita, both species responded to the same general treatment pattern. These findings show that early establishment of microbial biocontrol agents is critical for durable suppression of root-knot nematodes in olive and supports preventive microbial consortia as a promising strategy for integrated nematode management.

Smoke water (SW), a liquid by-product of wood pruning waste pyrogasification, was investigated for its nematicidal potential. We evaluated SW’s efficacy against adult Aphelenchus avenae and the egg and second-stage juveniles (J2) of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica under controlled laboratory conditions. Five concentrations (100 mL/L, 10 mL/L, 1 mL/L, 0.1 mL/L) and a sterile water control were tested over four days. Undiluted SW caused complete apparent mortality of M. javanica j2 within 24 h, while 100 mL/L achieved full mortality by day 2. The 10 mL/L treatment also showed significant activity, exceeding 50% mortality by day 4. Similar responses were observed in A. avenae, with undiluted and 100 mL/L SW reaching full mortality within 1 and 4 days, respectively. Egg hatching of M. javanica was completely inhibited at undiluted and 100 mL/L SW and markedly reduced at 10 mL/L. These findings indicate that SW may represent a promising natural alternative to synthetic nematicides.

The occurrence of Meloidogyne spp. in vegetables is well known, but little is known about the infestation of this root-knot nematode in the toothache plant ( Acmella oleracea ), a non-conventional vegetable from the Amazon region of Brazil. To this end, samples were taken in in August 2019 in a cultivation area of the toothache plant (jambu, in Portuguese) in the municipality of Santa Isabel do Pará, Pará, Brazil. There, chlorotic plants with underdeveloped aerial parts and a strong proliferation of galls in the root system were observed. Soil and root samples were taken and the presence of Meloidogyne javanica in the toothache plant was confirmed. This result was based on the morphological characteristics of the adults with respect the perineal configuration of the females and the labial region of the males. Morphological analysis revealed that the perineal region of females has a low trapezoidal dorsal arch with two lines on the sides, while males have broader basal nodules with a non-raised labial disk, with the head region not separated from the body. Molecular confirmation was obtained by genetic sequencing and sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers. Thus, this is the first report of the toothache plant as a host of M. javanica in Brazil and worldwide. • Meloidogyne javanica infects A cmella oleracea in Brazil. • A. oleracea is a importance non-conventional vegetable from the Amazon. • This is the first report of A. oleracea as a host for M. javanica in Brazil in world.

Root knot nematodes (RKNs) induce galls, containing multinucleated giant cells (GCs) to nourish them. The differentiation of precursor cells to galls/GCs involves extensive cellular reprogramming with multiple layers of regulation. Epigenetic regulation during the early stages of infection indicates that RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) and microRNA-dependent gene silencing contribute to transcriptional and post-transcriptional reprogramming during gall organogenesis. Although later stages of galls/GC development are crucial for nematode life-cycle maintenance, epigenetic reprogramming events remain largely unexplored. An integrative analysis of sRNAs, DNA methylation, and transcriptomic dynamics in galls induced by Meloidogyne javanica revealed that enrichment of 24 nt sRNAs represents a gall hallmark across early and late developmental stages. Fewer gall-distinctive sRNAs were detected at mid-to-late stages than at early stages, alongside a pronounced spatial reorganization of rasiRNA accumulation. At early stages, gall-distinctive rasiRNAs preferentially accumulated in pericentromeric retrotransposon-rich regions, whereas, at mid-to-late stages, they predominantly localized to chromosome arms, matching DNA transposons, promoters, and gene bodies. A decline in the regulatory influence of miRNAs was observed as infection progressed, possibly reflecting a transition toward specialized regulatory states associated with gall maintenance. Moreover, three regulatory modules, miR2111-5p/HOLT, miR172/AP2, and miR156/SPL10, were tightly but oppositely regulated at 3 and 14 days post-infection. Furthermore, miR156/SPL10 showed crucial functions during gall formation and/or maintenance, possibly influenced by hormonal cues involving ARF8 among other ARFs. Our results highlight stage-specific patterns involving sRNA dynamics, DNA methylation, and transcriptomic changes underlying nematode feeding site development and maintenance.

The Mi-1 gene of tomato is responsible for the resistance of certain genotypes to root-knot nematodes or RKN (Meloidogyne spp.) and other harmful organisms such as aphids or whiteflies, in a complex cascade of transcriptional changes in which other tomato genes are also involved. The objective of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the Mi-1-mediated resistance of tomato to Meloidogyne javanica using oligonucleotide microarrays to identify additional plant genes involved in the compatible or incompatible tomato/nematode interactions. Microarray analysis was selected as it has been widely used to identify genes involved in plant resistance to pests and pathogens. In a first phase of the present work, the roots of uninfested tomato plants were analyzed, comparing the transcriptional profiles of susceptible (Moneymaker) and resistant (Motelle) cultivars. In Motelle, 180 transcripts were more expressed than in Moneymaker and only 44 transcripts showed lower expression. Motelle showed higher activity in salicylic, jasmonic and ethylene pathways, while the GAI protein was strongly repressed compared to Moneymaker. These and other basal differences provided valuable information on candidate genes associated with the presence of the Mi-1 gene in Motelle. Subsequent infection by M. javanica triggered an intense transcriptional reprograming that increased over time throughout both compatible (Moneymaker) and incompatible (Motelle) interactions, with scarce genes common to both interactions. At the early phase of infection (2 dpi), genes for the cell wall, hormones, RNA, stress, and transport were up-regulated in the compatible interaction, and signaling, protein, and redox genes were down-regulated; in the incompatible interaction, protease inhibitors were up-regulated, and hormone and RNA genes were down-regulated. Later (12 dpi), genes for hormones, the cell wall, RNA, stress, defense, and development were up-regulated in the compatible interaction, while transport and some stress/defense genes were down-regulated; the incompatible interaction showed mixed regulation within hormone, stress, and defense genes.

Today, interest in natural remedies for biocontrol of crop pests is paramount. Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) is studied worldwide to obtain interesting bioactive compounds. Its anti-parasitic activity is associated with the presence of alkaloids in its roots. In this work, we explored the possibility of obtaining from P. granatum roots pelletierine-like alkaloids, which were extracted, characterized, isolated and used for the biocontrol of pests such as Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum padi and Meloidogyne javanica. Two different extracts were obtained, characterised and quantified by GC-MS and LC-ESI-HRMS. In vitro assays of nematicidal activity were performed comparing the extracts with isopelletierine and pseudopelletierine as pure molecules. The results of these assays showed a difference in activity between iso- and pseudopelletierine, especially in terms of the nematocidal effect against M. javanica with isopelletierine being more active than pseudopelletierine. This leads us to conclude that only extracts from P. granatum roots with a high concentration of isopelletierine alkaloid can be used in effective pest control products.

The natural product composition of the hexane and methyl tert-butyl ether extracts of Dittrichia viscosa roots was examined. Eight terpenoids were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high resolution mass spectroscometry (HRMS) techniques, four of which (1, 5, 6 and 8) are reported here for the first time as natural products. Of these eight compounds, four are thymol derivatives (1-4), two are guaianolides (5 and 7) and two are himachalanes (6 and 8). Additionally, the occurrence of himachalanes in this species is reported for the first time. Furthermore, a study of the potential plant protection effects of some of these natural products and the chemical derivative 6a was carried out. Promising preliminary results were obtained for compounds 1-3 and 6a as antifeedant agents against Spodoptera littoralis; 1-3 and 5 against Myzus persicae; 1-3 against Rhopalosiphum padi; and 4 as nematicide against Meloidogyne javanica. Finally, the phytotoxic activity of compounds 4, 5 and 6a against the monocotyledonous species Lolium perenne was also proven.

Metabolite profile of fractionated Citrus sinensis pomace extract and its potential to control Meloidogyne javanica in soybean

Meloidogyne javanica MjMAP19 and MjMAP40, two MAP-1 family effectors implicated in nematode parasitism and host immune suppression

ABSTRACT Root‐knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp., RKNs) pose a significant threat to soybean ( Glycine max ) production, causing substantial yield losses globally. Despite their economic importance, comprehensive studies on the distribution, co‐occurrence and genetic diversity of Meloidogyne in Brazilian soybean fields are scarce. Previous surveys have relied on limited sampling or biochemical methods, often underestimating species diversity and mixed infestations. Advances in molecular tools now enable more precise and sensitive species identification. This study combined biochemical and molecular approaches to identify Meloidogyne species across 344 soybean fields in 10 states of central‐south Brazil. RKN galls were detected in 23% (79) of the surveyed fields, and biochemical analyses confirmed Meloidogyne incognita , Meloidogyne javanica , Meloidogyne arenaria and Meloidogyne enterolobii . Sequence characterised amplified region‐PCR (SCAR‐PCR) assays revealed mixed populations in 44% (35/79) of infested fields, with two or three Meloidogyne species co‐occurring. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial markers ( COI , COII and NADH5 ) validated species identification, with NADH5 proving the most informative for differentiating M. incognita , M. javanica and M. arenaria . This study reports the first detection of M. enterolobii in commercial soybean fields in central and south Brazil, representing an emerging challenge for nematode management. The findings reveal shifts in species composition and abundance over the past two decades, with M. incognita predominating in Mato Grosso and Goiás, and M. javanica in southern states. The frequent co‐occurrence of multiple species underscores the need for continuous monitoring and integrated management. These results provide new insights into the diversity and distribution of Meloidogyne species affecting soybean production in Brazil.

Synergistic efficacy of Azadirachta indica and biocontrol agents in mitigating Meloidogyne javanica infection in peach

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. is a perennial herb of the Polygonaceae family. As a common traditional Chinese medicine, P. multiflorum is cultivated widely in the Southwest China. It is frequently used in clinical practices (Huang et al. 2013). On June 15, 2024, P. multiflorum plants exhibiting symptoms of stunting, leaf wilting, and multiple root galls associated with root-knot nematodes were detected in 15-hectare commercial fields near Kunming City (24°49'23″N, 102°51'2″E), Yunnan Province, China. Seventy-five percent of the P. multiflorum plants had root galls with an average gall index of 4.17. Random sampling of 100 seedlings from five fields indicated a combined infested area of about 0.1 hectares. Females and egg masses were manually picked out from galled tissues of P. multiflorum plants (n = 30) by using a fine pointed needle. Egg masses were placed on a filter paper to hatch for 3 d at 25ºC, and second-stage juveniles (J2s) were collected by method of Baermann funnel. The nematodes were identified through comprehensive morphological and molecular methods. Perineal patterns were rounded with low dorsal arch, trapezoid shape, smooth striae interrupted by a pair of incisures on both sides corresponding to lateral fields, clearly demarcated from striae by parallel lines, tail whorl often distinct. Females (n = 30): length 695.3 ± 60.4 μm, width 396.5 ± 38.4 μm, stylet length 15.7 ± 1.6 μm, and DGO length 4.02 ± 0.7 μm. J2 (n = 30): length 428.9 ± 8.7 μm, width 18.2 ± 1.6 μm, stylet length 13.8 ± 0.7 μm, DGO length 3.1 ± 0.4 μm, and hyaline tail terminus 12.6 ± 1.8 μm. These morphological characteristics were similar to the original descriptions of M. javanica (Rammah et al., 1990). DNA was extracted from a different single female (n = 10) and the specific sequences were amplified by PCR using the 18S rRNA gene universal primers 988F/1912R for Meloidogyne spp. (Holterman et al. 2006) and M. javanica-specific primers Fiav/Rjav (Adam et al. 2007), which generated 911 bp (GenBank accession no. PV274245) and 613 bp (PQ629528) fragments, respectively. Of the sequence PV274245, 908 bp was similar to the KP901063 (915 bp) of M. javanica with 99.23% identity (Yu et al., 2015), and 611 bp of the PQ629528 was matched to the KP411880 (612 bp) of M. javanica with 99.84% identity (Kaur et al., 2016). To verify the pathogenicity, individual seedling of P. multiflorum was transplanted into a plastic pot (15-cm-diameter × 10-cm-high) containing a sterilized mixed soil (humus soil/laterite soil/ perlite = 3:1:1), and infected with about 1000 J2s from the original population infecting P. multiflorum. Seedlings of P. multiflorum without inoculation of J2 was used as the negative control. All treatments had five replicates. The plants were grown in a greenhouse at approximately 14 to 26°C for 60 days. The pot experiment was repeated, in which the plants were allowed to grow for 60 days in a commercial field where we collected the nematodes. The inoculated plants whether in greenhouse or in the natural condition presented identical symptoms as observed in fields. The root gall rating was 3 with a reproductive factor of 1.8 in the greenhouse, and 2 with 1.4 in the natural condition according to the 0-to-5 RKNs rating scale (Huang et al. 2015). No symptoms or nematodes were observed on the control plants. The nematodes in pot experiments were reisolated and identified as M. javanica by the methods as described above. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. javanica infecting P. multiflorum in China, thus further research would be necessary to develop control strategies.

ABSTRACT Many species of Mesostigmata soil mites have potential as biological control agents of pests/parasites. This study evaluated the predation potential of two of these species, Gamasellodes lavafesii (Ascidae) and Cosmolaelaps mediocuspis (Laelapidae). The harmful species evaluated as prey were the root‐knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica (Heteroderidae), the gastrointestinal sheep‐parasitic nematode, Haemonchus contortus (Trichostrongylidae), the bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus columbianus (Astigmata: Acaridae) and the sciarid fly, Bradysia matogrossensis (Diptera: Sciaridae). Additionally, five species were tested as potential alternative food sources for the mass rearing of predators: eggs of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the mites Glycyphagus destructor (Astigmata: Glycyphagidae), Thyreophagus cracentiseta and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Astigmata: Acaridae), and the free‐living nematode Rhabditella axei (Rhabditidae). Daily predation rates (by female) between the predators did not differ when M. javanica was offered (≅240–245 second‐stage juveniles). For H. contortus , G. lavafesii exhibited a higher daily predation rate (≅204 third‐stage juveniles), whereas C. mediocuspis showed higher daily consumption of R. columbianus (≅6.1 larvae/nymphs) and B. matogrossensis (≅1.5 larvae). The highest oviposition rate of G. lavafesii (3 eggs/female/day) was observed on M. javanica , while C. mediocuspis laid at most 0.6 eggs/female/day on all evaluated prey. For large‐scale rearing, R. axei provided the best oviposition rate for G. lavafesii (8 eggs/female/day), whereas the highest rate for C. mediocuspis was obtained on E. kuehniella eggs (1.3 eggs/female/day). These findings will provide valuable insights for developing new biological agents for harmful organisms that spend part of their life cycle in the soil.

Summary The management of waste and execution of sustainable pest control pose considerable challenges in modern agriculture. This study introduces an innovative approach using phosphate sludge-enriched compost (PSEC) and demonstrates its significant dual function of improving crop yield and controlling nematodes. PSEC, made up of 20% phosphate sludge, 70% food waste, and 10% green waste, was tested at concentrations ranging from 0% (serving as infected, non-treated control) to 100% for their impact on the physio-morphological development of tomato plants, management of Meloidogyne javanica , and improvement of soil quality, especially pH and electrical conductivity (EC). The results revealed a significant improvement in plant growth at 20% PSEC, which led to substantial increases in fresh weight (873.43%), dry weight (549%), and root weight (359%), followed by a decline at higher concentrations. Examination of biochemical variables demonstrated increased levels of chlorophyll a and b at lower concentrations (1-3%), whereas heightened PSEC concentrations initiated a strategic compromise between phenolic compounds and flavonoid contents, signifying enhanced physiological response. The 100% PSEC treatment achieved remarkable nematode control, reducing the gall index by 40% and decreasing the reproduction of M. javanica by 92%. PSEC had the ability to modify soil properties, elevating pH from 6.65 to 8.30 and EC from 83.4 to 762.67 μ S cm −1 . These results indicate that PSEC is an effective strategy for sustainable agriculture, offering simultaneous benefits in yield enhancement, pest management and soil quality improvement, while presenting a novel method for the circular economy in agriculture by transforming industrial and agricultural waste into a valuable resource for enhanced crop protection, nematode management and soil health.

Pistachio is one of the most economically important horticultural crops worldwide, and its yield is annually reduced due to damages caused by root-knot nematodes (RKNs). To identify the species of RKNs associated with pistachio trees in Kerman and Khorasan Razavi provinces of Iran, 84 localities were investigated and 37 isolates of the predominant species, Meloidogyne javanica, were identified based on the perineal pattern of females and species-specific primers Fjav and Rjav. Eight isolates (KS1-1, KS1-10, KN7-1, KR3-1, KR8-1, KSh1-1, KhF1-4, and KhF2-1) were further characterized using morphological, morphometric, and molecular data (Small subunit [SSU] rDNA, COII-16S, and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 [Nad5] mtDNA sequences). The SSU sequences of these eight isolates showed over 98% identity with several sequences of tropical Meloidogyne species. The COII-16S and Nad5 sequences displayed 99.63 and 100% identity with other available M. javanica sequences, respectively. This study provided, for the first time, comprehensive morphometric, molecular, and geographical distribution data of M. javanica isolates parasitizing pistachio in two main pistachio-producing provinces of Iran. Based on the results of this research, the prevalence of M. javanica in the pistachio orchards of the studied regions was 44.04%, indicating its widespread distribution. Rafsanjan in Kerman province and Mahvelat in Khorasan Razavi province were two highly infested cities based on the present study. Therefore, regular monitoring is essential for effective management of this pest.

ABSTRACT African iris ( Dietes bicolor ) is a rhizomatous ornamental plant widely used in landscape design. In 2025, plants showing chlorosis, reduced development, and root galls typical of Meloidogyne spp. were observed in a nursery in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Eggs and second‐stage juveniles (J2) were extracted from symptomatic roots, with an average density of 327 eggs and J2 per gram of root. Adult females collected from infected roots were used for isoenzymatic characterisation. Individual females were macerated in sucrose–Triton X‐100 buffer and analysed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The resulting esterase profile exhibited the characteristic J3 phenotype, identifying the population as Meloidogyne javanica . For molecular confirmation, DNA was extracted from single females, and PCR amplification using the species‐specific primers Fjav/Rjav consistently amplified the expected ~670 bp SCAR fragment. Pathogenicity was verified by inoculating healthy D. bicolor plants with 2,500 eggs. After 60 days, the reproduction factor was 2.1, and symptoms matched those observed in naturally infected plants, fulfilling Koch's postulates. This is the first report of M. javanica parasitizing D. bicolor in Brazil and, for the best of our knowledge, the first global record of this host–nematode association.

Response of some grapevine cultivars to the infestation by Meloidogyne javanica under greenhouse conditions in Minia Governorate, Egypt

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a valuable staple crop rich in essential nutrients such as iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca). However, root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), particularly Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitwood, pose a significant threat to its productivity by affecting nutrient uptake. Despite the global prevalence of M. javanica, there is inconsistent information on its impact on the nutrient composition of sweet potato leaves. This study aimed to assess the response of selected nutrient elements (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, and Zn) in the leaf tissues of sweet potato cultivar ′Blesbok' infected by M. javanica at the University of Limpopo, South Africa, using a randomized complete block design with six replications. Seven M. javanica inoculation levels (0, 5, 25, 125, 625, 3125, and 15,625 eggs + second-stage juveniles (J2) were applied to the sweet potato plants. Nutrient element concentrations in the leaves were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry after a microwave digestion process. Independent variables (x-axis) were log-transformed for normality and subjected to analysis of variance, with multiple regression analysis performed. Negative quadratic relationships were observed for Ca, K, Mg and Fe, with inhibited concentrations at low nematode densities and stimulated ones at higher levels. However, Zn responded with a positive quadratic trend, indicating gradual decline under lower nematode stress. Optimal levels of Ca, K, Mg and Fe occurred at lower nematode population densities, whereas Zn accumulation peaked at higher infestation levels. In conclusion, the study confirmed that M. javanica infection disrupts nutrient accumulation in sweet potato, leading to nematode density-specific responses. Managing nematode population densities to lower levels may help to maintain optimal nutrient concentrations. The findings provide insights into the nutritional impact of nematode infections and can inform integrated nematode management strategies for sustainable sweet potato production.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) (Meloidogyne spp.) are considered the most economically important plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) for vegetable production, particularly for tomatoes. One control option for managing RKN is the application of nematicides, which is still widely used today. This study evaluated the efficacy of three nematicides (abamectin, fosthiazate and fluopyram) against the RKN species Meloidogyne javanica (Treub, 1885) (Tylenchida: Meloidogynidae). The nematicides were applied at five different times: three to six days before transplanting (A); just after transplanting (B); 15 days after transplanting (DAT) (C); 30 DAT (D); and 45 DAT (E). The results showed that, compared to the control (+), the lowest gall formation was observed in the following order: fluopyram (B) (1.60 ± 0.24), fosthiazate (A) (2.20 ± 0.20), and abamectin (B) (3.20 ± 0.37). The highest gall formation was observed in the abamectin (E) treatment (5.60 ± 0.24). Application of fluopyram (B), fosthiazate (A) and abamectin (B) reduced the number of second-stage juveniles (J2) by 94.62%, 91.38% and 72.88% respectively. These results point to the significance of application timing in the efficacy of nematicides and suggest that fluopyram is an effective option for the management of RKN, therefore advocating for high yields and sustainable agriculture.