Phytochemical profile and nematicidal potential of essential oil from Algerian wild subsp. Defs.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The root gall nematode constitute the most damaging species that infects many crops in Algeria. The intense use of harmful agricultural chemical products has incited research to develop alternative methods with natural and ecological advantages like essential oils extracted from plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of subsp. Desf. (Lamiaceae) essential oil on the development of the root-knot nematode in potted tomatoes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In pot trials, we assessed the activity of subsp. essential oil at two concentrations of 0.75 and 0.37 mg/L against . These dilutions were applied in two treatments to soil: the preventive treatment (pretomato planting), and the curative treatment (posttomato planting), using an artificially inoculated tomato under controlled conditions.

RESULTS

The application of subsp. essential oil was very effective at the pretomato planting treatment compared to the chemical treatments, and the inoculated control. We noted a reduction in number of roots and soil juveniles, galling index, and an increase in the tomato root and stem weights. The phytochemical screening of subsp. revealed the presence of five classes of bioactive compounds (glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and gallic tannins).

CONCLUSION

This study showed a potential nematicidal effect of subsp. essential oil on root-knot nematode.