Field Validation of the Effect of Soil Fumigation of Ethanedinitrile (EDN) on the Mortality of Meloidogyne hapla and Carrot Yield Parameters

With the increasing importance of soilborne plant pest nematodes and the relatively recent phase-out of methyl bromide as a key soil fumigant, there is an urgent need for new fumigants with good nematicidal properties. Ethanedinitrile (EDN) is a promising fumigant and preparation because of its physical, agrochemical, and nematicidal properties. However, its efficacy against nematode pests of different crops under field conditions has not been fully validated and understood. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of two concentrations of EDN on the survival of northern root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne hapla) and on carrot yield and quality under field conditions. The evaluation was performed using naturally infested carrot plots, and EDN application to the soil was followed by covering the treated area with film. A high biological effect was observed for both EDN concentrations tested, with even the lower dose (30 g.m(-2)) being sufficient for M. hapla suppression. Positive effects of EDN application-likely due to EDN partial conversion into biologically available nitrogen in soil-on carrot root weight, in comparison with the untreated control, were also observed.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the effects of ethanedinitrile (EDN) on the survival of Meloidogyne hapla and on carrot yield and quality under field conditions. The results showed a high biological effect for both concentrations tested, with even the lower dose being sufficient for nematode suppression. Positive effects of EDN application on carrot root weight were also observed.