Estratégias químicas e biológicas para atenuar os efeitos da meloidoginose no crescimento e produção do tomateiro

Abstract

Meloidogynosis compromises root development and nutrient absorption, leading to significant losses in tomato production. This study evaluated chemical and biological strategies to mitigate the effects of meloidogynosis, caused by nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne, on the growth and productivity of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The experiment was conducted in a protected environment between February and May 2025, in the rural area of Carnaubal (CE), using a randomized block design with four treatments: control, chemical control (abamectin), biological control, and the association of both. Variables analyzed included stem and fruit diameter, plant height, number of fruits, production per plant, and root volume and weight. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p≤0.05). Biological control proved to be efficient, providing good results in terms of fruit number, productivity, and root development, comparable to chemical control. However, the treatment combining both products (chemical + biological) showed inferior performance compared to their isolated use, possibly due to incompatibility between the inputs. It is concluded that the use of microorganisms as biocontrol agents represents a sustainable, efficient, and conservationist alternative in the management of meloidogynosis, promoting healthy plant growth and contributing to the reduction of agrochemical use. This approach aligns with the principles of sustainable agriculture, offering both agronomic and environmental benefits.