TITLE: A Study of the Arthrobotrys conoides for Capture and Consumption

of Plant Parasitic Nematodes

AUTHOR: David A. Simms

SCHOOL: John D'Obryant

SCHOOL ADDRESS: 55 New Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02120

This project basically elaborates the existence of the predacious fungi. Arthrobotrys conoides, that live, among other places in soil where they capture and consume nematodes. As plant parasitic nematodes are one of farmers' greatest enigmas this experiment is wholly laudable. Present forms of plant parasitic nematode population reduction is the chemically hazardous application of nematicides and test if the Arthrobotrys conoides will prove to be a beneficial bio-control agent for the capture and consumption of plant parasitic nematodes. I hypothesized that the Arthrobotrys conoides will prove to be a beneficial bio-control agent for the capture and consumption of plant parasitic nematodes. Secondly I hypothesized that there is a morphogenetic substance present in nematodes which enhances trap formation in the A. conoides I then set up three garden soil samples and a nutrient potting soil sample for my control. Each was tested under three different living conditions for a period of five days. After months of extensive experimental testing I came to the conclusion that the Arthobotrys conoides is a very beneficial bio-control agent for the capture and consumption of plant parasitic nematodes and that there is a morphogenetic substance present in nematodes which trap formation.