Nematological Analyses

In 2014, Biofarm expanded its expertise in the field of laboratory analyses by setting up, at its premises, a laboratory dedicated to nematological analyses, where it carries out the extraction, identification, and population dynamics assessment of nematodes.

Analyses of this type cannot be delegated to equipment alone, but require a “professional Nematologist” capable of assessing the quality and quantity of the nematofauna, with knowledge of the damage thresholds for a given crop, and able to evaluate – among the various possible interventions (only when necessary) – the most effective strategy.

For this reason, the Test Facility avails itself of the valuable collaboration of Prof. Francesco Paolo d’Errico of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Naples Federico II, as well as specialised staff.

In this regard, the Test Facility carries out efficacy trials for agrochemical multinationals, conducted both on farms throughout the national territory and in other EU countries, in order to perform nematological analyses and provide appropriate solutions to farms of all segments (horticultural, floricultural, fruit-growing, and industrial crops).

Nematological Soil Diagnosis

Nematode infestations, due to their symptoms often being confused with those caused by other factors, frequently go undiagnosed and lead to incorrect management strategies. It is common for nematicides to be applied in the absence of an active infestation, or, conversely, for no intervention to be carried out when one is actually needed. This unfortunately occurs in the absence of nematological soil diagnosis.

Some nematode species are capable of transmitting economically important viruses to several crops. One example is “Grapevine Fanleaf” virus (GFLV), the most economically significant virus transmitted by Xiphinema index to grapevine, wherever it is cultivated. Equally serious are the synergistic associations that various nematode species (Globodera, Heterodera, Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, etc.) form with different phytopathogenic fungi (Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, etc.). In the presence of such associations, nematicide treatments must not be separated from fungicide treatments and vice versa; if not carried out, the damage can lead to complete loss of income.

The various associations that nematodes form with insects – which may act as vectors or be able to parasitise them (Biological Control), as in the case of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae – should also not be underestimated.

It should be emphasised in this regard that the nematological problem must be placed within the broader field of crop protection as one of the issues that operates in association with others, and not in isolation. The crop protection performance of a nematicide can be enhanced by selecting the most appropriate timing for effective control, the correct doses, the number of applications, and any potential synergies with agronomic and biological means in particular.