Efficacy of fluopyram applied by chemigation on controlling eggplant root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) and its effects on soil properties

The root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) is one of the major challenges in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) production. Fluopyram, known to be an effective fungicide, is also used for controlling root-knot nematode. However, in China, little information is currently available regarding the efficacy of fluopyram via chemigation against root-knot nematode and its effects on soil properties. For this, the objective of this work was to test mortality of root-knot nematode, functional diversity of soil microbial community, activity of soil enzyme after fluopyram applicated by chemigation. The results of two field experiments revealed that concentration of 60 g·ha(-1) fluopyram applied with 200 L·ha(-1) irrigation water at 2 L·h(-1) flow velocity was the most effective chemigation parameters for controlling eggplant against root-knot nematode. The functional diversity of the soil microbial community was significantly affected by fluopyram. The activities of soil urease and β—glucosidase decreased during the initial stages but recovered at later stages. In brief, fluopyram has advantageous for the efficient control of root-knot nematode with no deleterious effects on soil properties as well as chemigation is positive for application in karst landscape in Guangxi.