Industrial scale composting process as a successful method for inactivation of potato cyst nematodes (Globodera spp. Behrens) and sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii Schmidt)

Abstract Cyst producing nematodes are persistent soil-born organisms causing severe damage to cultivated plants. Persistence of the economically relevant cyst nematode species Globodera pallida, G. rostochiensis and Heterodera schachtii was investigated at different stages during a large-scale industrial composting process to evaluate its efficiency to prevent spread of these nematodes into natural and agricultural habitats. Using reference cyst nematodes incorporated into organic waste from households and the processing industry the effect of anaerobic fermentation as well as aerobic composting processes were investigated. Treated cysts were analysed for viability and reproductive potential by performing hatching tests and bioassays on susceptible host plants. The investigated composting plant showed maximum temperatures between <40 and 72°C at aerobic composting conditions relative to the position of the pile the samples were incorporated. We found no viable juveniles or reproductive potential of Globodera spp. and less than five percent reproduction in H. schachtii. Additionally to temperature conditions, we presume that competition of the microbial community and their released bio-digestants also play a major role in successful treatment of these severe pest organisms.