Purpureocillium lilacinum: Revolutionizing Organic Farming by Controlling Corn Cyst Nematode
Knowing my background on this forum I am a supporter of eco-organic farming for reasons explained as follows; Rearing corn has been a worthwhile exercise; however, one of the areas that have always posed a challenge to me is the management of soil borne pests such as the corn cyst nematodes (CCN). These destructive microscopic parasites cause much havoc at the base or root of crop plants thus starbling plant growth, nutrient uptake and ultimately reduced yields.
In this regard, I have discovered that encouraging a beneficial soil ecosystem is the foundation of a strong garden and sustainable farm. While chemical nematicides may provide quick fixes, they often come with hidden costs: impact for the bad microorganisms, poor structure and fertility of the production soil, and possibility of leaving chemical remains on our food. I was in search of a method that would shield my corn against nematodes as well as the soil I grow it in from lack of life and nutrients. That’s when I discovered the revolutionary fungal biocontrol agent, Purpureocillium lilacinum, and a product that harnesses its power: NEMA PROMAX and NEMA PRO by Novobac.
If nematodes are a problem in your corn fields allow me to explain how this bionematicide solution is revolutionizing organic agriculture by combining advanced scientific technology with age old principles.
This paper will provide information on Corn Cyst Nematodes; their properties and the effects they have.
Heterodera zeae also known as corn cyst nematodes have remained a nightmare to corn farmers. These minute beetles reside in the soil, attach themselves on corn roots and block the passage of water and nutrients to the plant. This ultimately leads to poor crop development, reduced production Return on Investment, and huge losses for the farmers.
Now what makes CCNs even more complicated is the fact that they are ‘resilient’.” The nematodes form cysts—thick-shelled protective covering which can remain in the soil for years, and during unfavorable conditions can lie dormant and emerge to cause harm in the next planting season. These cysts are not effectively dealt with by chemical solutions as they leave behind the root of the issue for years.
This is exactly where purpureocillium lilacinum spores make a mess by providing a greener and environmentally-friendly method of nematode management without adversely impacting on the soil.
What is Purpureocillium lilacinum and How Does It Work?
Purpureocillium lilacinum is an indigenous soil fungus, which is gradually receiving accolades as a nematicide. Its life cycle is interesting and ideally matches the objectives of managing nematodes organically. Let’s unravel its magic:
- Infecting Nematode Eggs: Purpureocillium lilacinum penetrates the eggs of nematodes directly at the spore level. These spores germinate and multiply in the eggs: they damage, consume and interfere with the nematode’s life cycle.
- Targeted Action: This fungus is pathogenic to nematodes but does not harm other organisms such as beneficial microbes, worms, and other fungi.
- Long-Term Protection: In multiple growing seasons, Purpureocillium lilacinum slows nematodes’ reproduction rate, freeing crops from these pests and rebalancing the ground environment with each application.
This bio-nematicide approach makes Purpureocillium lilacinum a dream to any organic farmer out there. This actually goes beyond pest control; it is reinvention of soil health – Microbial Agriculture Scientist from Greenfield University, Dr Helen Roberts. “When applied in the environment, the fungus works together with other microorganisms to form a stable productive system of farming.”
The fight against plant-parasitic nematodes has always been troubling for farmers and gardeners throughout the history of agriculture. They are small, plant-root attacking insects that lead to immature plants and poor production as well as weakened soil. Due to the increasing recognition of the importance of sustainability throughout agriculture, Novobac has two recently launched innovative products, NEMA PROMAX and NEMAPRO, designed to offer highly effective yet environmentally friendly nematode management products. Pest control and increase in productivity of the soil is thus made possible by the innovative microbial formulation in the products.
NEMA PROMAX: Enhancing the Functionality of Nematode Control via Spores
NEMA PROMAX is a biologically active, powerful bionematicide that can provide efficient bionematicide for farmers and gardeners. This product epitomizes Novobac’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, offering several distinct benefits:
- Residue-Free Protection
Another benefit that has been praised about NEMA PROMAX is that it has no residuals at all, which are bad for the environment. It is an organic formulation that has no effect on the environment, this is very important to farmers who are looking for safe produce with no residue.
- Improves Soil Health
This is in contrast to most nematicides that may harm the soil structure while at the same time they can enhance nematicides properties and characteristics through interaction with them, the NEMA PROMAX. Due to its role in increasing the population of good microscopic creatures, it improves the soil’s capacity to produce more fertility after some time. These two-fold benefits of a sharp reduction in nematodes and a positive input to the quality of the substratum make it a must-have for organic and regenerative agriculture.
- Environmental and Chemical Free Agriculture
NEMA PROMAX company has a policy on supporting the sustainable agriculture practice. It improves the quality of the soil instead of degrading it and is ideal for organic farmers who want to take care of the environment but can also deal with pests most efficiently.
NEMAPRO: This is a potent liquid bio-formulation.
In addition to the NEMA PROMAX which Novobac markets, it also has NEMAPRO, a liquid formulation organic nematode control to address the modern day crop production needs. NEMAPRO utilises microbial technology to inhibit the life cycle of parasitic nematodes in agriculture, whilst increasing the survival of crops.
- High Performance Liquid Filled
NEMAPRO innovative formulation is that it is designed to provide excellent and quick coverage, either through drip or foliar application. The highly flexible liquid formulation of the product readily disperses into the soil, and selectively affects nematodes in the zone of root penetration.
- Prevents Nematode Build-Up
However, apart from managing current generations of nematodes, NEMA PRO acts in an anticipative manner decreasing the chances of nematodes’ reproduction in the future. It keeps plant roots protected all through their developmental stages, due to the fact that it operates in a continual manner.
- Environmentally Responsible
As with every Novobac product, NEMA PRO is an environmentally sensitive product. Its natural biological nature makes it harmless to other organisms such as beneficial soil microorganisms and pollinators that are useful in organic and natural agriculture.
Comparison: NEMA PROMAX vs. NEMA PRO
| Feature | NEMA PROMAX | NEMAPRO |
| Formulation | Granular, easy-to-use soil drench | High-performance liquid bio-formulation |
| Application Method | Soil drenching or drip irrigation | Drip irrigation or foliar application |
| Key Focus | Targeting nematodes while boosting soil health | Preventing nematode growth and enhancing crop resilience |
| Benefits | Improves microbial populations, residue-free | Uniform application, continuous root protection |
| Best For | Organic and regenerative agriculture | Specialized pest prevention on diverse farm scales |
Cultural Practices: The Power of Prevention Meets Biocontrol
It is something that people who I have been gardening for many years know well, that much of the effectiveness of the used products, including NEMA PROMAX, rises as the proper cultural practices are followed. Here’s how I keep my corn crops nematode-free:
- Crop Rotation: I intercrop corn with non host crops such as beans and small grains. This method effectively hinders the life cycle of cyst nematodes and effectively lowers their numbers on its own.
- Cover Crops: These and many other studies show that practices such as planting of cover crops like mustard also play a role in biofumigation and additional suppression of cyst nematodes.
- Compost and Mulch: Adding compost favours the amount of useful bacteria and thus, creates competition to nematodes and improves the soil structure generally.
- Purpureocillium lilacinum Treatment: Therefore, using NEMA PROMAX at the planting time and mid-season means nematode eggs are attacked before they hatch which makes my corn stand the best shot possible.
I have realized that if soil is given priority and bio control measures are followed, the change is amazing; healthy cornfields, high yields and worry free farming.
Toward the Future of Sustainable Agriculture
As people become more sensitive to the chemical residues in the foods they eat, farmers and gardeners are paying attention to using natural controls for pests and diseases—and Purpureocillium lilacinum is among the effective tools to use in that regard. According to Roberts, “It is therefore the belief of S G Roberts that biological solutions like NEMA PROMAX will determine the future of Agriculture. It explains pest control, environmental health and consumer safety in one sweep.”
To any farmers with corn fields infested with nematodes, the spores of Purpureocillium lilacinum and cultural management practices such as crop rotation is not only an option but a bow to the soils call for sustainable farming.
So, if you want to level up your gardening and farming and want to be more sustainable, try Purpureocillium lilacinum and NEMA PROMAX. Not just an offering; our products are an ally on a mission to improve soil health, food security and the planet. So now let’s put the chemical away and create a better future one cornfield at a time.
