Evaluation of various seed extracts for their nematicidal efficacies against root nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

The current study was assumed to identify the novel nematicidal activity of chloroform and methanol (50:50, v/v) seed extracts of eight medicinally important plants viz. Abrus precatorius Linn., Amaranthus virdis Linn., Bunium persicum Boiss., Dioscorea deltoidea Wall. Ex Griseb., Teraxacum officinale Weber., Malva neglecta Wall., Podophylum hexandrum Royle and Robina pseudoacacia Linn. using the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in in vitro and greenhouse experiments. At 72 h exposure, the extracts were found to be highly nematostatic, where nematodes were completely paralyzed at 12 and 48 h of exposure. However, dominant mortality was observed by T. officinale 93.67% and B. persicum 89.66% seed extracts at 72 h. In greenhouse method, extracts of T. officinale and B. persicum extracts were found to be most potent in reducing number of galls (1.76 and 2.37) and number of egg masses (0.06 and 2.18) respectively as compared to inoculated control. The root knot index of all extracts varied between 1-3 and egg mass index 0-3 as compared to control. This study suggested that seed extracts of these plants can be used for the management of M. incognita and could be used in replacement of synthetic nematicides upon further isolation and purification of bioactive substance responsible for nematicidal activity.

Automated summary

The study explored the nematicidal activity of seed extracts from eight medicinally important plants against Meloidogyne incognita. The extracts of Taraxacum officinale and Bunium persicum were found to be the most effective in reducing the number of gall and egg masses, suggesting their potential as natural alternatives to synthetic nematicides.