Management of root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita using black soldier fly frass in soybean [Glycine max (L.)]

Abstract

Glycine max (L.) is a leguminous crop used by humans and livestock; it is an alternative protein source that offers almost the same quality as animal protein. Currently, its productivity has been affected by Meloidogyne incognita, which threatens food quality and security in Sub-Saharan Africa by 25-70%. Research has been conducted to extract the knowledge and inputs that will be effective in solving nematode problems, as the available methods are inefficient, inaccessible, and expensive. This study aimed to use BSFF in managing M. incognita in Soybean cultivation. The study was conducted in Mwanza-Tanzania, where seven treatments following a CRD design were inoculated with 1000 J2 of M. incognita and replicated six times. Results showed that BSFF from Hermetia illucens has the potential to minimize the effect of M. incognita in soybean, where the number of galls was reduced from 104 in 0.0 kg BSFF/inoculated to 3 in 1.0 kg BSFF/inoculated, followed by 6.33, 23.67, 51.51 and 52.50 galls in 0.75 kg BSFF/inoculated, 0.5 kg BSFF/inoculated, 50mL chitosan /inoculated, and 0.25 kg BSFF/inoculated, respectively. Also, symptoms such as chlorosis were reduced from nine leaves in 0.0 kg BSFF/inoculated to zero in 1.0 kg BSFF. Therefore, the study found that BSFF is a sustainable way to minimize the effect of M. incognita and maximize the performance of soybean production, as it offers soil management benefits, and enhances social and economic welfare by reducing the use of harmful, expensive chemicals that interfere human health and economy.