Nematicidal activity of Streptomyces sp. GHRS-5 against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne enterolobii in guava

The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii has emerged as a major global threat, particularly impacting guava production in India. Effective management of this invasive species requires sustainable alternatives to synthetic nematicides due to concerns over environmental safety and nematode resistance. Streptomyces spp. metabolites offer a promising solution by producing bioactive compounds that suppress nematodes while enhancing plant defenses . In vitro bioassays identified GHRS-5 as the most potent strain, showing significant inhibition of egg hatching and increased juvenile mortality rates over 24,48 and 72 hours. Metabolic profiling using GC-MS revealed nematicidal biomolecules which were further analyzed through molecular docking studies. These studies demonstrated strong binding affinities between effective biomolecules and key nematode proteins including cellulose binding protein, cytochrome oxidase subunit I, chorismate mutase, pectate lyase, and major sperm protein suggesting potential mechanisms for nematode suppression. Pot experiments confirmed the efficacy of GHRS-5 with an 74.5% increase in root length, a 60% decline in female nematodes, and a 65% decrease in soil populations. These results highlight that GHRS-5 plays a dual role in boosting plant growth as well as nematode suppression. This eco-friendly approach offers a sustainable solution for guava farmers and will pave the way for broader application in managing M. enterolobii across crops. Future research will focus on scaling these findings to field conditions and explore broader applications. • Meloiodgyne enterolobii significantly threatens guava production worldwide • Streptomyces spp. biomolecules effectively suppress nematodes while enhancing plant defenses. • Streptomyces spp. GHRS-5 showed strong inhibition of egg hatching and juvenile mortality under in vitro • GC-MS analysis identified bioactive compounds with nematicidal properties. • Biomolecules showed strong binding affinities to key target proteins of M. enterolobii suggesting suppression mechanisms. • Combining biocontrol, molecular profiling, and computational studies offers a sustainable solution for nematode management.