Eco-biological management of plant-parasitic nematodes: exploring Streptomyces albidoflavus as a biopesticide

Plant-parasitic nematodes are one of the most destructive plant feeders, causing an estimated $175 billion in global crop loss annually. Root-knot nematodes- Meloidogyne genus- listed among the top 10 most harmful plant-parasitic nematodes, are particularly damaging to vegetable crops. Conventional pest control methods, primarily chemical nematicides, pose an increasingly significant risk because of their adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Therefore, the development of sustainable alternatives has become an urgent priority. The current project aligns with a sustainable development framework by exploring alternatives to chemical pesticides, using bioactive molecule-producing microorganisms against root-knot nematodes. Specifically, we focused on Actinobacteria isolated from the unexplored Moroccan ecosystems. By harnessing natural biological mechanisms, this approach aims to suppress pest populations, while enhancing soil health and crop productivity. This project aims to sequence and analyze the genomes of Streptomyces albidoflavus AS2, demonstrating its biocontrol activity against root-knot nematodes. This research provides critical insights into their nematicidal properties and paves the way for eco-friendly pest management solutions.