Author: Brian

By Peter Feng, Product Division Manager, JH Biotech Inc.

Root-knot nematodes are among the major pests in agricultural production. These nematodes infect the roots of plants, causing root tissue swelling, which hinders nutrient absorption, suppresses crop growth and development, and ultimately leads to reduced yields. Root-knot nematodes are widespread globally, especially prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.

Traditionally, chemical agents such as nematicides, especially fumigants, have been used to control these pests. While fumigants offer excellent soil-clearing effects, they also eliminate beneficial soil microorganisms, and most nematicides can only target nematodes themselves, without killing nematode egg masses. With the push for sustainable agriculture, research has increasingly focused on developing natural, safe and environmentally friendly control methods, with essential oils showing significant potential in controlling root-knot nematodes.

Effects

Essential oils are volatile substances extracted from leaves, stems, flowers and roots of aromatic plants. These oils have bioactive properties such as antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant effects. Rich in aldehydes, terpenes, phenols and esters, essential oils have natural pest- and disease-fighting abilities. In combating root-knot nematodes, many essential oils have demonstrated the ability to inhibit nematode activity, prevent reproduction and reduce infection rates in plants.

Essential oils can control root-knot nematodes through several mechanisms. First, the active components in essential oils can directly affect the nematodes’ nervous system, disrupting their movement and reproductive ability. Many studies have found that essential oils containing terpene compounds, such as thyme oil, peppermint oil and cinnamon oil, effectively paralyze nematodes, preventing them from infesting plant roots.

Additionally, essential oils have strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth and reproduction of root-knot nematodes. Essential oils like clove oil and lemongrass oil are rich in phenolic compounds that can destroy nematode cell membranes, leading to their death. Moreover, essential oils can boost plants’ immune systems, promote healthy root growth and increase crop resistance to nematodes.

Product Options

In recent years, numerous studies on essential oils for controlling root-knot nematodes have shown varying effects. One study tested 16 different essential oils for their lethal effects on root-knot nematodes and found that wormwood, cinnamon, peppermint, lemon balm, lemon eucalyptus, rue and clove oils were effective in killing half of the nematodes at dilutions higher than 500x. Cinnamon oil proved the most effective, killing over 50% of the nematodes at concentrations as low as 1/10,000 and inhibiting egg mass hatching at concentrations of 1/1000. Since cinnamon oil is a 25(b) exempt material, it is easily available on the market in plant protection products based on cinnamon oil.

In addition, some commercial essential oil products are gradually being applied in agriculture for root-knot nematode control. Neem oil, for example, has broad-spectrum insecticidal and antibacterial properties and has been proven effective against root-knot nematodes. The main active ingredient in neem oil, azadirachtin, inhibits nematode reproduction and prevents egg hatching. Neem oil is currently classified as an EPA-registered pesticide, which makes it more expensive than 25(b) exempt products, complicating its promotion.

The main components of clove oil and cinnamon oil, such as eugenol and cinnamaldehyde, are effective in controlling soil-borne diseases like damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia solani, wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum, and bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. Therefore, applying plant protection essential oil products based on cinnamon oil can not only reduce the damage caused by root-knot nematodes to crop roots but also lessen the impact of other soil-borne diseases on crops.

Advantages, Challenges

The primary advantage of using essential oils to control root-knot nematodes lies in their natural and environmentally friendly characteristics. Compared to traditional chemical nematicides, essential oils do not pollute the soil, water sources or ecosystems, and they pose relatively low risks to human health. Additionally, essential oils have multiple bioactive properties; beyond controlling nematodes, they promote plant health and reduce reliance on other pesticides and fertilizers.

However, there are challenges in using essential oils for nematode control. First, essential oils are volatile, and their residual effect in the soil is relatively short, potentially requiring frequent applications to maintain effectiveness. Alternatively, applying them in a fumigant-like manner – before planting, covering them with plastic to enhance volatility – could improve efficacy. Additionally, the cost of different essential oils varies significantly, with some highly effective oils being relatively expensive, which presents challenges for large-scale agricultural production. Moreover, the effectiveness of essential oils can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and soil type, requiring adjustments based on specific conditions in practical applications.

In conclusion, essential oils show significant potential as a natural and environmentally friendly alternative for controlling root-knot nematodes. With advancements in agricultural technology and increasing demand for sustainable agriculture, essential oils are likely to become an essential part of future integrated pest management strategies.

Date: Tuesday, August 26
Time: 10 a.m. PDT / 11 a.m. MDT
Register here  

Description: An unpredictable economic environment fostered by geopolitics, ongoing trade and capital wars, and extreme weather is having a significant impact on the future business of agriculture. While some hunker down in survival mode, others quickly adapt to disruptions and capitalize on challenges. 

This webinar is designed to examine the state of domestic and global agricultural economics. Topics include future megatrends of the industry and how they will impact success regardless of size, enterprise and geographic location.  Dr. Kohl will bring his decades of experience as an award-winning educator, business owner, speaker and author to challenge the status quo of decision making.  

Register here  

IPL, a manufacturer of rigid-plastic products, is planning to merge with Schoeller Allibert, a manufacturer of reusable transport packaging. The proposed merger creates an international sustainable packaging producer with a manufacturing footprint in 27 locations across North America, Europe and the United Kingdom.

IPL mainly manufactures sustainable, rigid-plastic products for the agriculture, food, consumer and environmental sectors. Schoeller Allibert manufactures returnable transport packaging, primarily in continental Europe.

The merged company will be headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. The deal is expected to close this fall. 

Dewulf

Premium Reversible Cutter Set
dewulfgroup.com
Along with the second generation of its ZKIV four-row self-propelled top-lifting harvester,
Dewulf introduced an updated cutter set in 2023. The six-cutter set combines capacity and unparalleled speed with the highest possible respect for the end product throughout the harvesting process. In addition, the set is less prone to wear and tear, as Dewulf fabricates the cutters with a new type of highly wear-resistant material. Moreover, the blades of the cutter sets are reversible, extending their life. If the front part is worn out, users can effortlessly invert the cutting bars to start using another zone of the cutting bars. This cutter set is now also available on the ZKII and ZKIII top lifters.

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Kerian Machines

Speed Sizer
kerian.com
The Kerian Speed Sizer sorts carrots by size accurately and consistently. The constantly rotating rollers help the turning flaps align the carrots with the rollers so that the carrots (with or without tops) are consistently sorted by diameter. The sizer is proven in use for fresh carrots, baby carrots and processing lines.

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Univerco

G-Force
univerco.net
With the addition of the G-Force model, a two-row three-point mounted on tracks, Univerco now offers a complete range of carrot harvesters. From the Mini-Veg that can be operated by a 60-hp tractor all the way up to the MAC Series of multiple-row, self-propelled and everything in between, Univerco can propose a solution for all needs and farm sizes.
The G-Force is unique in its category because it offers a compact, multiple-row, high performance machine, with a motorized track that will power it through the most difficult field conditions, at a much lower price than a self-propelled machine. State-of-the-art technology supports a user-friendly machine made to work every day for carrot growers.

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Vogel Engineering Inc.

Custom-Built Harvesting Equipment
vogel-engineering.com
Made in the U.S., Vogel Engineering harvesters offer features such as a precision computer-controlled planting population system and individual row head height adjustability. Plus, the company offers a new Extreme Super Cleaning System.
Harvesters are available in two-, three-, four-, six- and eight-row configurations. Other available options include conventional roller bars or high-speed crowning.

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Volm Companies

Packing Equipment and Packaging
volmcompanies.com
Volm specializes in providing expert solutions for the carrot industry, offering a range of equipment specifically designed for efficient carrot packing. Automating a carrot packing facility can decrease labor expenses while increasing production. Volm’s weighers and baggers are engineered to seamlessly integrate into any packing line, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.
Volm also offers end-of-line solutions with a complete line of palletizers and case packers. In addition to equipment, Volm offers packaging supplies including poly bags that help lock in moisture and prevent unnecessary food waste.

T-L Irrigation Co. has reached its platinum anniversary, marking 70 years in business. Starting as a supplier of irrigation equipment, the company took its first step into manufacturing in 1961 with the purchase of an aluminum pipe tube mill to make pipe for gravity irrigation. T-L Irrigation’s first hydrostatic drive-powered pivot came along in 1969, and the technology remains the cornerstone of the T-L product lineup.

A Nebraska-based family-owned business, T-L Irrigation Co. distributes center pivots, irrigation systems, agriculture equipment, and water management products throughout the U.S. and to 87 countries.

Farmer sentiment weakened in June following two months of improvement, as tracked by the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. The barometer dropped 12 points to 146 from the previous month. A change in producers’ expectations for the future served as the primary factor in the shift, with the Index of Future Expectations sinking 18 points to 146. The Current Conditions Index, however, lost only 2 points, standing now at 144. A drop in optimism about future agricultural exports seems to have influenced producers’ weakened outlook. Even with the June declines, all three indices persist at higher levels than a year ago. The barometer survey took place between June 9-13.

Overall, we see weakened agricultural producer sentiment coupled with their weakened expectations for the future. Reduced optimism about the future of U.S. agriculture’s export prospects stands out as a major cause of the this month’s shift in sentiment. Although farmers remain concerned that U.S. tariff policies will reduce their income, fewer producers in May and June said they expect a negative or very negative impact on their income than they did in March and April.

Story and photos by Denise Keller, Editor

A trip home from a field day created the perfect excuse for a pit stop in Pasco, Washington, where Verbruggen Palletizing Solutions has operated its U.S. sales and service center for the last decade.

Founded in the Netherlands in 1991, the company specializes in palletizing systems for boxes, bags, crates and more. The combination of Dutch innovation coupled with stateside service, parts and support have helped the company grow through the years, employees say.

In 2013, Verbruggen opened the sales and service location in Pasco to better serve its North American customers. In the last 11 years, the U.S. operation has increased by more than five times its initial size, and a U.S.-based staff of two now numbers nearly 30, including service technicians, parts workers, administrative support and a sales team.

Verbruggen equipment is installed at approximately 400 customer locations in North America.

Sakata Seed America Inc. completed an executive leadership transition this spring.

After 15 years as president and chief executive officer of Sakata Seed America, Dave Armstrong stepped into the role of executive chairman.

Eduardo Flores has assumed the position of president and CEO. Flores joined Sakata Seed America in 2021 as chief operating officer, bringing more than 20 years of experience in leading regional businesses, commercial activities, supply chain management and strategy development for global breeding companies.

In addition, John Nelson moved from executive vice president to executive advisor until his planned retirement next January. Hiroyuki Hashimoto has stepped into the role of vice president.