In-Vitro Evaluation of the Nematicidal Potential of Leaf Extracts of Commenlina benghalensis and Bidens pilosa on Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne Spp)

Abstract

The nematicidal potential of leaf extracts of Commenlina benghalensis and Bidens pilosa on Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp) was evaluated in-vitro. Four concentrations of the aqueous extracts of the leaves of each plant was used for the test. The concentration included 100mg/ml, 150mg/ml 200mg/ml and 250mg/ml while distilled water was used as control. Root-knot nematodes were sourced from susceptible plants within Jos metropolis and challenged with the different concentration of the extracts. Observation was done 24 hourly for 96 hours. Also, phytochemical analysis of the extracts was done. The results showed that all the extracts had nematicidal activities on root-knot nematodes but to varying degrees. Generally, C. benghalensis had lower nematicidal activity than B. pilosa. The result also showed that the nematicidal activities of both plant extracts increased with concentration and time of exposure. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of bioactive compounds such as Alkaloid, Saponin, Tannin, and Flavonoid among others. The findings of this work suggests that these plants have good nematicidal potentials.

Keywords: Root-knot nematodes, in-vitro, Commenlina benghalensis, Bidens pilosa

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-4-04

Publication date: February 29^th 2020