Wrap-and-plant technology to manage sustainably potato cyst nematodes in East Africa

Abstract Renewable eco-friendly options for crop protection are fundamental in achieving sustainable agriculture. Here, we demonstrate the use of a biodegradable lignocellulosic banana-paper matrix as seed wrap potato plants against cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera rostochiensis . Potato nematodes devastating quarantine pests globally. In East Africa, G. has recently emerged serious threat to production. Wrapping potatoes within lignocellulose substantially reduced field inoculum and increased yields by up fivefold Kenya, relative farmer practice, whether or not impregnated with ultra-low doses nematicide abamectin (ABM). Markedly, ABM-treated banana paper at ~1,000 times lower than conventional recommendations PCN inoculum. Assays analyses revealed that disrupts parasite–host chemical signalling adsorbing critical hatching infective juvenile host location chemicals present root exudate. Recovery experiments confirmed adsorption these chemicals. Our study demonstrates waste organic material sustainably manage PCN, potentially other pests, while increasing yields.