Evolving Dynamics of Insect Frass Fertilizer for Sustainable Nematode Management and Potato Production
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Date
2024-02
Authors
Anedo, Emmanuel O.
Beesigamukama, Dennis
Mochoge, Benson
Korir, Nicholas K.
Haukeland, Solveig
Cheseto, Xavier
Subramanian, Sevgan
Kelemu, Segenet
Tanga, Chrysantus M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Frontiers in Plant Science
Abstract
Potato production faces major challenges from inadequate soil fertility, and
nematode infestation, yet synthetic fertilizers and nematicides are costly and
harmful to the environment. This study explored the potential of chitin-fortified
black soldier fly-composted organic fertilizer (BSFCOF) as a multipurpose
organic fertilizer amendment for enhancing potato yield and suppressing
potato cyst nematodes (PCN). The BSFCOF was applied at a rate equivalent to
150 kg N ha-1 and fortified with chitin from black soldier fly pupal exuviae at
inclusion rates equivalent to 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% chitin. Data were collected on
potato growth characteristics, PCN population densities, and soil chemical
properties for two growing cycles. Results showed that chitin fortified BSFCOF
significantly improved potato growth parameters, chlorophyll concentration,
marketable tuber yield and number of marketable tubers. The marketable
tuber yield achieved using chitin-fortified BSFCOF was 70 – 362%, and 69 –
238% higher than the values achieved using unfertilized soil during the first and
second growing cycles, respectively. Soil amendment with chitin-fortified
BSFCOF significantly reduced the number of cysts per 200 g soil-1, number of
eggs and J2 per cyst-1, eggs g-1 soil and reproduction rate by 32 – 87%, 9 – 92%,
31– 98% and 31 – 98%, respectively. The PCN suppression increased with chitin
inclusion rates. There were significantly higher values for soil pH, ammonium
nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus, calcium, magnesium,
potassium, and cation exchange capacity in soil amended with BSFCOF
compared to unamended soil. This study demonstrates that BSFCOF fortified
with 5% chitin is an effective soil enhancer with multiple benefits, including
improved soil fertility, potato performance, and effective management of potato
cyst nematodes.
Description
Article
Keywords
potato cyst nematodes, chitin, black soldier fly frass fertilizer, regenerative soil input, soil health, potato yield
Citation
Anedo, E. O., Beesigamukama, D., Mochoge, B., Korir, N. K., Haukeland, S., Cheseto, X., ... & Tanga, C. M. (2024). Evolving dynamics of insect frass fertilizer for sustainable nematode management and potato production. Frontiers in Plant Science, 15, 1343038.