Phosphate sludge-enriched compost for the control of Meloidogyne javanica and improved organic tomato growth
摘要
Meloidogyne javanica threatens agricultural profitability due to the lack of effective control strategies. This study investigated the nematicidal potential of phosphate sludge-enriched composts for the control of M. javanica on tomato plants under organic cultivation at nursery level. Three composts, PS-SBW (20% phosphate sludge, 70% food waste, 10% sugar beet waste), PS-GW (20% phosphate sludge, 70% food waste, 10% green waste), and PS-OMW (20% phosphate sludge, 70% food waste, 10% olive mill waste), were tested at 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% concentrations to assess morphological and physiological variations against an inoculated and non-treated control. The composts exhibited normal pH (7.065–7.85) and electrical conductivity (EC), except for PS-GW (4.87 mS cm−1). PS-GW at a concentration of 10% significantly increased plant growth parameters, specifically, plant height (37.95%), shoot fresh weight (282.93%), shoot dry weight (179.45%), root weight (178.05%), and root diameter (88.29%) when compared to the inoculated and non-treated control. In contrast, PS-OMW at 5% proved to be the most effective in reducing the M. javanica final population (83%), reproduction factor (83%), and gall index (40%) when compared to the inoculated and non-treated control, as well as chlorophyll a, and carotenoids were significantly increased, while chlorophyll b increased with PS-GW at 10%. PS-SBW at 2% and PS-GW at 10% decreased the total phenolic compound (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC), while PS-OMW showed an increase in secondary metabolites. Phosphate sludge-enriched composts, especially PS-GW and PS-OMW, effectively improved organic tomato growth and suppressed M. javanica growth, while PS-SBW showed intermediate effects of M. javanica control and tomato growth enhancement. Their distinct effects on plant growth and nematode control suggest there is a need for additional research to explore possible complementary effects when used in combination.