In vitro evaluation of nematicidal properties of native plant extracts from Meghalaya against root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) in tomato
摘要
This study evaluated the nematicidal efficacy of five botanical extracts-Lantana camara (LC), Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Spilanthes acmella (SAC), Curcuma aromatica (CA), and Mentha arvensis (MA)—against root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) in vitro. These plants, selected from the Meghalaya region, were known for their pesticidal properties, although some had not been previously tested for nematicidal activity against RKN. The J2 mortality assay revealed that LC achieved the highest mortality rate (78.35%) after 24 h at 100% concentration, followed by MA (59.54%). No nematode revival was observed after 48 h, indicating prolonged nematicidal effects. The egg hatch inhibition assay demonstrated a significant reduction in egg hatching across treatments, with CC and SAC showing consistent suppression. By the 10th day, CC exhibited the lowest egg hatching rate (24.56%) at 100% concentration. The J2 penetration assay showed CC as the most effective inhibitor (93.48%), followed by LC (89.13%), with all extracts demonstrating significant dose-dependent inhibition compared to the control. These results underscore the efficacy of the tested botanical extracts, with LC and CC emerging as the most potent candidates for nematode management. All treatments differed significantly from the control (P ≤ 0.01), highlighting their potential as eco-friendly alternatives for integrated nematode management.