Pyrrolizidine alkaloids of Chromolaena odorata act as nematicidal agents and reduce infection of lettuce roots by Meloidogyne incognita

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Abstract 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) represent a class of secondary plant compounds that are active in defence against herbivory. They are present in Chromolaena odorata, one of the most invasive weeds of Asia and Africa. In vitro studies demonstrate that pure PAs from C. odorata roots have nematicidal effects on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, even at concentrations of 70-350 ppm. In vivo experiments show that mulch or aqueous crude extracts from C. odorata roots reduce the infection of lettuce by M. incognita. Thus, the use of PA-containing plants appears to be a valuable element for integrated nematode management.