Sample of soil from sugarcane fields, containing a diverse bacterial community. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to characterize the bacterial species and assess the effects of bionematicide treatments on the microbial composition.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different bionematicides in controlling the plant-parasitic nematode Pratylenchus zeae in sugarcane crops and to assess the impact of these treatments on the soil's bacterial community. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse using soil naturally infested with Pratylenchus zeae, and various bionematicides were applied, including Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Pseudomonas oryzihabitans. The main objectives were to determine the efficacy of these bionematicides in reducing nematode populations and to evaluate their effects on microbial diversity using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This sequencing allowed the characterization of bacterial species in the soil and provided insights into how biological treatments influence the soil microbiome. This research is significant for sustainable agriculture, as it explores eco-friendly alternatives to chemical nematicides that can suppress pests while preserving or enhancing soil health. The findings contribute to the understanding of biological control agents and their potential to promote both plant health and biodiversity in agricultural systems.