Phytodiversity Conservation through Evaluation of Nematicidal Properties of Latex Bearing Plants against Meloidogyne javanica

Abstract

The antagonistic effect of five organic additives (fresh chopped leaves) of various latex bearing plant species were applied against Meloidogyne javanica in bottlegourd. The two doses (50&100g) of organic additives were treated with 1 kg soil separately, filled in pots under a glasshouse trial to determine nematicidal effect against root-knot infections. All treatments stimulated plant height, fresh & dry weight, and chlorophyll content compared to untreated inoculated plants. Plants treated with fresh chopped leaves of Calotropis procera (100g) were the best among all. The use of organic additives is ecofriendly and does not harm soil biota. It is an alternative to conserve the phytodiversity through phytochemicals without causing any pollution and hazardous effect.