Integrated evaluation of biological and chemical control against Globodera pallida in potato

Abstract

The cyst nematode Globodera pallida poses a critical threat to potato production in Colombia, where severe infestations can cause yield losses of up to 90%. This study evaluated the efficacy of two biological products, Onix® (Bacillus methylotrophicus) and Alicerce® (B. licheniformis and B. subtilis), alongside a chemical alternative, Verango® (fluopyram), for the control of G. pallida under potato agroecological conditions. Compared with the control, Onix® reduced cyst populations by 77.6%, J2 juveniles by 88.1%, and female counts by 68.5%. Furthermore, Onix® significantly increased the first-grade tuber production, demonstrating high biological efficacy. In conclusion, Onix® (B. methylotrophicus) represents a sustainable and effective alternative for the integrated management of G. pallida, providing significant environmental benefits without compromising crop yield.