Abstract
Root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitwood is one of the major pest problem in countries with sweltering climate. Although utilization of nematicides and other synthetic chemicals to control nematode infestation in field crops are effective measures but these practices pose substantial threat to human health. Application of synthetic chemicals also results in environmental pollution. Recently, use of plant extracts has emerged as an effective alternative approach to control many plant pathogens including the nematodes. Some of the locally available seed spices including Brassica juncea, Piper nigrum, Nigella sativa, Sinapis alba, Papaver somniferum and Trigonella foenum-graceaum were used against root nematode, M. javanica in vitro. The nematode eggs and juveniles were exposed to the crude aqueous extract of plant seeds powder for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h in vitro. Significant results were obtained in egg hatching test in all treatments and time durations. Papaver somniferum was found to be the most effective in the control of egg hatching. In mortality test, all treatments showed significant mortality as compared to control. However, an absolute, larval mortality was observed when larvae were treated with aqueous extracts of B. juncea, N. sativa, P. somniferum and T. foenum-graceaum after 96 h interval. The present study shows B. juncea, P. nigrum, N. sativa, S. alba, P. somniferum and T. foenum-graceaum potentially natural source of nematicide against M. javanica.
