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Project

Management of Meloidogyne spp. in intensive organic fruit vegetable production in glass houses (MELOBIO)

Main research question/goal

ILVO and PCG (coordinator) examine the management of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in the intensive organic fruit vegetable cultivation in greenhouses. The main objective of this project is to ensure a future for the cultivation of fruit vegetables in organic greenhouses by developing an integrated management strategy for root-knot nematodes based on innovative cultivation techniques.


Research approach

To solve the growing problem with Meloidogyne spp., different strategies are examined and developed. We investigate whether rootstocks of tomato, pepper and cucumber are available with sufficient resistance to different Meloidogyne spp. combined with an acceptable production and quality. We examine if short intermediate crops can be used to suppress the harmful nematode populations. In addition, we investigate the effect of organic additives and natural agents on Meloidogyne populations. Nematode diversity (nematode community) will be used as a measure for soil health.


Relevance/Valorisation

We expect this project to yield reliable advice because various strategies are examined for managing Meloidogyne spp. In organic agriculture, integrated approaches will be used to tackle the problem. Knowledge about the natural agents can be used by companies that offer these resources after the project for further optimization or specific advice. The knowledge of the changes in soil life can explain the effect of the treatments and be used to evaluate soil health. A number of project results are also immediately implementable in conventional agriculture, ornamental tree cultivation and other open field crops. Internationally there is a huge demand for solutions to this increasing problem.


Funding provider(s)
VLAIO
Date:1 Sep 2018 →  31 Aug 2022