Integrated management of Meloidogyne spp. in cucumber using plant extracts
Abstract
Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are among the most destructive plant-parasitic nematodes, and the search for environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic nematicides is essential. This study evaluated the in vitro and greenhouse nematicidal potential of aqueous extracts of selected plant species against Meloidogyne sp. juveniles and their effects on cucumber growth. In vitro assays revealed significant differences among treatments (P < 0.0001), with Tithonia diversifolia and Ricinus communis extracts at 100% concentration causing the highest corrected juvenile mortalities of 64.07% and 57.24%, respectively, after 72 h. Oxamyl showed comparatively lower mortality (51.27%). Greenhouse experiments demonstrated significant reductions in Meloidogyne sp. populations in cucumber roots and soil following extract applications. The nematode population densities in roots were significantly reduced, with the highest reduction rate reaching 96.93% in treated plants compared with untreated controls. Root gall index and severity were also significantly affected by treatments, with the lowest galling observed in the most effective treatment (gall index 0.67 and severity 6.67%). However, plant growth parameters, including stem height, collar diameter, and number of leaves, were not significantly influenced by treatments. Overall, aqueous extracts of T. diversifolia and R. communis demonstrated promising nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne sp. and may serve as potential eco-friendly alternatives for integrated management of root-knot nematodes. Further studies are required to identify active compounds and validate their field-scale efficacy.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33804/pp.010.04.5927
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