In Vitro Assessment of Botanicals Rich in Phytochemicals for Egg Hatchability Management of Meloidogyne Incognita

Abstract

The current study was aimed at determining the nematicidal efficacy of Helianthus annuus and Chromolaena odorata in the management of M. incognita. The qualitative and quantitative screening of the phytochemicals present in the extracts of tested botanical was done with the gas chromatography flame ionization detector and spectrophotometric analysis where flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, phenols, tannins, steroids and glycosides were obtained at varying concentrations. The botanical extract significantly enhanced the inhibition of juveniles hatching individually when compared to the control (P<0.05). The maximum percentage egg hatch inhibition recorded in tested botanicals at 72 hours of exposure in 100% concentration were Helianthus annuus = 68% and Chromolaena odorata = 89.33%. The extract from Chromolaena odorata was more infective due to the presence of terpenoids which are not found in the extract of Helianthus annuus. The study thus, suggests that the identification, isolation and bio-assaying of phytochemicals in the tested botanicals could lead to nematicidal discovery as a good alternative for the management of M. incognita for an eco-friendly and sustainable agriculture.