NEMATOCIDAL PROPERTIES OF RED SILK COTTON (Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuil.) FLOWER AGAINST ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE, (Meloidogyne javanica (Treub. 1885) CHITWOOD 1949

Abstract

A study was conducted in Jalingo Nigeria to determine the nematocidal activity of water extract of flower powder of Bombax costatum against the eggs and J2 juveniles of Meloidogyne javanica in the laboratory. For both egg hatch inhibition and juvenile mortality, 15 Petri-dishes were used for each and were arranged in Complete Randomized Design (CRD). For egg hatch inhibition test, 500 suspended in 10 ml distilled water were dispensed into each of 15 Petri-dishes used. Five treatments used included crude extract (stock solution) of B. costatum, 5 ml, 10 ml and 15 ml dilutions and control which were also dispensed into the petri dishes. Hatched nematodes were counted after three days. For juvenile mortality test, 500 J2s suspended in 10 ml distilled water were dispensed into each of 15 Petri-dishes used. The five treatments used included crude extract (stock solution) of B. costatum, 5 ml, 10 ml and 15 ml dilutions and control which were also dispensed into the petri dishes. Dead nematodes were counted after every day for three days. Data collected was analyzed. Results showed that the 100% concentration (crude extract) treatment gave the highest egg hatch inhibition and juvenile mortality of 89.33% and 94.33% respectively. This is an indication of the potential of flower powder of B. costatum to limit these inoculums of M. javanica and therefore reduce their damage potential. Pot and field trials will be needed before can be recommended for wider use.