Aspergillus niger produces lethal compounds against nematodes

Pest Manag Sci. 2023 Nov;79(11):4617-4625. doi: 10.1002/ps.7662. Epub 2023 Aug 2.

Abstract

Background: Aspergillus niger is generally considered safe and is widely used across a broad range of industries from food to pharmaceuticals. The metabolites of some Aspergillus species are effective in killing nematodes. The active ingredients that play a role are citric acid and oxalic acid.

Results: The effective nematocidal metabolite in the fermentation broth of the A. niger Ym16 is a calcium oxalate coordination compound (C2 H2 O4 •2(C2 HO4 )•C2 O4 •4(H2 O)•2(Ca)). The mortality of fermentation broth and compound solution to second-stage juveniles (J2s) of Meloidogyne incognita were 94% (8 h) and 95% (2 h), respectively. The hatching inhibition rates of fermentation broth and compound solution to eggs of M. incognita were 86% (24 h) and 87% (12 h), respectively. Furthermore, the Ym16 strain promoted plant growth.

Conclusion: Strain Ym16 and its metabolites should be the first choice for nematode control because it is an effective agent against soil nematodes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Keywords: Aspergillus niger; Meloidogyne incognita; Nematocidal metabolite; calcium oxalate monohydrate.