Nematicidal potential of essential oils of Ageratum fastigiatum, Callistemon viminalis and Schinus terebinthifolius

Abstract

Some essential oils are rich in nematicidal compounds and can be used for the management of plant-parasitic nematodes. Laboratory and field studies aiming to evaluate the efficiency of this compounds are necessary. The objective of this research was to assess the nematicidal potential of essential oils from leaves of Ageratum fastigiatum and Callistemon viminalis, and green and mature fruits of Schinus terebinthifolius on the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica. In laboratory, the essential oil of S. terebinthifolius green fruits reduced hatching by more than 80% and increased juvenile mortality by 300% when compared to Tween 20 + water. In the field, none of the essential oils controlled M. javanica in lettuce. In conclusion, the essential oil of S. terebinthifolius green fruits reduces the egg hatching and kills J₂ of M. javanica in laboratory. In an infested field with an average of 555 J₂/100 cm³ of soil, the application of the essential oils of S. terebinthifolius, C. viminalis and A. fastigiatum does not control M. javanica in lettuce.