ABSTRACT
The search for alternative measures for the control of nematodes has been stimulated, and the application of plant extracts can become a viable measure for small farmers. This study evaluated the effect on the multiplication of Rotylenchulus reniformis when aqueous extracts of eight plant species were added to the soil. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions with maximum and minimum temperatures of 34.2 and 25.6° C, respectively. Cotton plants were inoculated with 4,000 nematode eggs and then a volume of 20 mL of aqueous extracts obtained from leaves of Crotalaria spectabilis, Arctium lappa, Plectranthus barbatus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Origanum vulgare, Cajanus cajan, Mucuna aterrima and Momordica charantia was added. The inoculum was obtained from pure populations multiplied in cotton plants, kept in a greenhouse. After 60 days the number of eggs, plant height, stem diameter and fresh weight of shoots and roots was evaluated. The extracts of Cajanus cajan, Origanum vulgare. Mucuna aterrima, and Momordica charantia reduced the number of eggs by 28, 28, 44 and 60% respectively. In relation to stem diameter, the extracts of M. aterrima and C. cajan differed from the control and the other treatments. In relation to the weight of the shoot, extracts of C. cajan. P. barbatus. M. aterrima and C. spectabilis differed from the control and the other treatments. Therefore, the extracts of M. aterrima. C. cajan. O. vulgare and M. charantia can serve as options for the control of R. reniformis.
KEY WORDS
Reniform nematode; alternative control; natural compounds; medicinal plants