Nematicidal activity of Ageratum conyzoides leaf extract against root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) on eggplant in Jalingo, Nigeria

Abstract

Devastation of crops by pests is exacerbated by human activities but nature provides remedies that are environmentally friendly. This study was carried out to evaluate the activity of A. conyzoides leaf extract against Meloidogyne javanica on eggplant in Jalingo, Nigeria. Three concentrations (crude extract, 5 ml and 10 ml dilutions) of extract of Ageratum conyzoides as well as control (no application) were applied on juveniles and eggs of M. javanica in petri dishes in the laboratory in 2018 and 10 ml of the same extract was applied into holes at the base of eggplants transplanted into a nematode-infested field in 2018 and 2019. Result of the juvenile mortality test showed that the extract treatments caused the mortality of M. javanica juveniles with crudes extract being highest at 90.3%. Results of the egg hatch inhibition test also showed the extract treatments significantly reduced egg hatch compared to control with crude extract having the highest inhibition of 85.5%. Field experiment in both years indicated that the extract treatments recorded significantly (P˂0.05) better result than control in all parameters in both years. There was reduced root galling and nematode reproduction and by extension final nematode population with attendant high yield in extract-treated plants. It is therefore concluded that A. conyzoides has the potential for use as a bio-pesticide against M. javanica.