Materials and methods for the control of nematodes
The invention provides materials and method for controlling pests, in particular, nematodes. The invention also provides compositions comprising biosurfactants as pesticides.
1. A method for controlling nematodes wherein said method comprises preparing a nematicidal composition by cultivating a Pseudozyma aphidis microorganism wherein the Pseudozyma aphidis microorganism produces a mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) biosurfactant; cultivating a Starmerella bombicola microorganism wherein the Starmerella bombicola microorganism produces a sophorolipid (SLP) biosurfactant; and mixing the cultivated Pseudozyma aphidis and MEL with the cultivated Starmerella bombicola and SLP,
wherein said nematicidal composition comprises the Pseudozyma aphidis microorganism, the MEL, a broth in which the Pseudozyma aphidis microorganism was cultivated, as well as the Starmerella bombicola microorganism, the SLP, and a broth in which the Starmerella bombicola microorganism was cultivated, and
wherein said method further comprises applying the nematicidal composition to nematodes and/or their environment.
2. The method, according to claim 1 , used to control one or more of the following nematodes: Meloidogyne incognital, Meloidogyne hapla, Meloidogyne arenaria, Meloidogyne incognita, Belonolaimus longicaudatus, Heterodera glycines, Pratylenchus sp., Xiphinema sp ., and Tylenchulus semipenetrans.
3. The method, according to claim 1 , wherein said method is used to control a nematode pest of a plant.
4. The method, according to claim 3 , wherein the plant is selected from tomatoes, soybeans, corn, citrus and turfgrasses.
5. The method, according to claim 3 , wherein the composition is applied as a seed treatment.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to soil.
7. A method for controlling nematodes wherein said method comprises applying to the nematodes, and/or to an environment of the nematodes, a composition consisting essentially of: a Pseudozyma aphids microorganism and a broth in which it was grown, wherein said broth comprises a mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL); and a Starmerella bombicola microorganism and a broth in which it was grown, wherein said Starmerella bombicola broth comprises a sophorolipid (SLP).
8. The method, according to claim 7 , used to control a nematode selected from root-knot nematode, sting nematode, soybean cyst nematode, lesion nematode, dagger nematode, and citrus nematode.