This $1,000,000 Project Grant award from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (CFDA 10.310) aims to develop novel bio-based approaches to control root-knot nematodes and facilitate the translation of these approaches to agricultural practices. The key objectives are: (a) develop bio-based carriers for encapsulating plant-derived biochemical extracts with nematicidal and attractant properties, and evaluate their efficacy; (b) assess the ability of these bio-based compositions to enhance nematicidal activity while reducing phytotoxicity; (c) evaluate the translation of the optimized formulations to control root-knot nematodes and perform techno-economic analysis; and (d) develop an extension and education program to engage growers and farm workers. The grant was awarded to the University of California, Davis, a leading public research university, and will run from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2028. The project is intended to promote the development and translation of sustainable, bio-based solutions for agricultural pest control.
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