Sensitivity of potato cyst nematodes to fluazaindolizine

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN), Globodera spp., cause damage to potatoes in more than 60 countries and several management strategies, including the application of chemical nematicides, are commonly used for their control. However, due to stringent regulations in Europe several nematicides have been, or are being, removed from the market due to their potential toxic effects on the environment and human health. New solutions and nematode management strategies are being sought to control these challenging and economically important nematodes. In this study, the effects of Salibro (TM), a novel sulfonamide nematicide based on the active ingredient fluazaindolizine (Reklemel (TM) active), were evaluated on the hatching, motility, infectivity and reproduction of PCN in the laboratory. Depending upon the duration of nematode pre-exposure, Salibro (TM) at concentrations of 5-250 mg fluazaindolizine (active substance) (a.s.) kg(-1 )(equivalent to 5-250 ppm a.s.) affected hatching, motility and infectivity of second-stage juveniles of G. pallida and G. rostochiensis, whereas the reproduction of G. pallida was only influenced at 5-50 mg a.s. kg(-1). Salibro (TM), under laboratory conditions, has intrinsic activity against both PCN species and could be a promising additional tool for the integrated management of PCN. Further studies are needed to demonstrate SalibroTM efficacy under field conditions.