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 contacting the nematodes with a nematicidal composition comprising a sophorolipid (SLP) produced by Starmerella bombicola and a mannosylerytrithol lipid (MEL), produced by Pseudozyma aphidis , wherein the SLP is in a broth in which the Starmerella bombicola was cultivated and the MEL is in a broth in which the Pseudozyma aphidis was cultivated.
2. The method, according to claim 1 , which further comprises contacting the nematode with Wickerhamomyces anomalus.
3. The method, according to claim 1 , wherein the broth composition is applied to nematodes, and/or their environment, without first separating biosurfactant from cell mass of the Starmerella bombicola and Pseudozyma aphidis.
4. The method, according to claim 1 , used to control a nematode selected from Meloidogyne incognital, Belonolaimus longicaudatus, Heterodera glycines, Pratylenchus sp., Xiphinema sp., and Tylenchulus semipenetrans.
5. The method, according to claim 1 , wherein said method is used to control nematode pests of plants.
6. The method, according to claim 5 , wherein the plants are selected from tomatoes, soybeans, corn, citrus and turfgrasses.
7. The method, according to claim 5 , wherein the composition is applied as a seed treatment.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the composition is applied to soil.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises applying a nematode attractant.