Testing chitosan-based Fosetyl-Al nanocrystals in Meloidogyne javanica control

Plant-parasitic nematodes pose a significant threat to global plant health, with root-knot nematodes, particularly Meloidogyne spp., causing severe yield losses in horticultural and field crops. Chemical nematicides, traditionally used for control, are now restricted due to their harmful environmental and health effects. This has driven the search for eco-friendly alternatives, leading to increased interest in innovative solutions such as nanotechnology. For this reason, we conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of a novel Fosetyl-Al formulation in controlling Meloidogyne javanica. In vitro experiments were performed using chitosan-based Fosetyl-Al nanocrystals (CHnanoFos), synthesized through a sonication-assisted method employing chitosan as a coating agent. Preliminary experiments established optimal CH-nanoFos concentrations for testing against M. javanica. Nematicidal, nematostatic, and hatching inhibition effects were assessed at concentrations of 1, 2, and 4 mg/ml over different exposure times. Results revealed that nematicidal activity increased with higher concentrations and longer exposure, while nematostatic activity decreased. Hatching inhibition was also concentration- and time-dependent, with hatching decreasing with both concentration and time. The study also investigated the effects of CH-nanoFos on mature tomato plants and seeds germinated for up to 14 days, focusing on germination percentage, seedling growth, genotoxic effects, and the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and photosynthetic pigments. Ongoing TEM observations are assessing CH-nanoFos uptake and translocation within plant tissues, while in vivo experiments are evaluating its efficacy against M. javanica in tomato plants.