Researchers from the School of Agronomists of the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) have discovered an organic control system to eradicate the microscopic worms which attack the roots of certain pepper varieties that are highly-produced in the Spanish Region of Murcia. The system has been developed by Ana María Requena in her doctoral thesis, focused on the control of these micro-worms( nematodes), which are most generally found in Blocky peppers.
The method makes use of a combination of fungus and bacteria, replacing pesticides, which are banned in the European Union, with a more environmentally-friendly option.
The thesis has been directed by Professor Catalina Egea, of the Agricultural Science and Technology Department, who explained that the losses caused by nematodes can affect up to 60% of the production.
With this treatment, however, it has been demonstrated that pepper plants become more resistant to the nematodes, preventing also the proliferation of its eggs.
The researcher is currently working on the isolation of the system's organic compounds to facilitate their application on the plants.
Source: Murciaeconomia.com