Agro industrial waste and sewage sludge can control Pratylenchus brachyurus in maize

If agro industrial byproducts are not properly disposed of, they can cause environmental pollution. These materials are rich in nutrients and could be useful in agriculture, with a possible role in the nematodes control, especially Pratylenchus spp., one of the world's most pernicious species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of waste produced in the northeast of Parana State in controlling Pratylenchus brachyurus. Maize plantlets were transplanted to pots containing infested soil. After 90 days, the shoot was discarded and each pot top-dressed with the following: sewage sludge, vinasse, filter cake, poultry litter, or manipueira (liquid extract of cassava root). Maize seedlings were again transplanted to the pots where they remained for 70 days. The plants were then collected for evaluation in terms of height, fresh shoot, dry weight, root fresh weight, and number of nematodes/g root and per 100 cm(3) soil. All treatments were effective in controlling nematodes. Enhanced plant development was observed after treatment with poultry litter. We therefore conclude that agro industrial waste provides a fresh alternative for controlling P. brachyurus.