Control biológico del nemátodo formador de agallas MELOIDOGYNE SPP. mediante metabolitos producidos por bacterias Extremófilas

Abstract

Effective control of plant-parasitic nematodes, such as Meloidogyne represents a constant challenge in agriculture. In this study, the potential of using secondary metabolites produced by psychrophilic bacteria isolated from the Antarctic region as biocontrol agents against Meloidogyne spp. was explored. An exhaustive process of isolation and characterization of bacterial strains adapted to extreme temperature and nutrient-limited conditions was carried out. Subsequently, solutions containing secondary metabolites with nematicidal activity were obtained for in vitro bioassay tests. The results revealed a remarkable ability of certain psychrophilic bacteria to produce bioactive compounds that negatively affect the survival of Meloidogyne spp. In addition, all bacterial strains used in the bioassay were identified at the molecular level. This study provides promising evidence for the potential of Antarctic psychrophilic bacteria and their secondary metabolites as eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives for the control of plant-parasitic nematodes in agriculture. These findings not only open new avenues for agricultural biocontrol research, but also highlight the importance of microbial biodiversity in extreme ecosystems such as Antarctica.