Efficacy of plant extracts, biological control agents, and nematicide on the management of plant-parasitic nematodes in beefsteak tomato (solanum lycopersicum) under greenhouse conditions
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PUCE - Ibarra
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes are among the major constraints affecting the production of beefsteak tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Traditionally, their management has depended on chemical nematicides: however, their effectiveness has progressively declined due to the development of resistance and increasing environmental concerns. This has driven the search for sustainable alternatives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of plant extracts and biological agents for the management of nematodes in beefsteak tomato under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was confirmed using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments three plant extracts: garlic {Allium sativum}, marigold {Tagetes spp.}, and neem {Azadirachta indica}; two biological agents {Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp.}; and one commercial chemical nematicide {Solvigo®}. Each treatment was used replicated four times. Parameters assessed included incidence, severity, nematode population in roots, root biomass, and treatment efficacy were evaluated. Ninety days after application, the A. sativum extract significantly reduced incidence (26.50%), severity (30%), and nematode population (159 individuals/10 g root), achieving an efficacy of 68.57%, which surpassed that of the chemical nematicide (65.28%). Furthermore, it promoted greater root development (24.45 g). In contrast, Tagetes spp. and neem extracts, as well as Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp. treatments, exhibited low to moderate efficacy. These results highlight A. sativum extract as a promising and eco-friendly alternative for sustainable nematode management in protected tomato production systems.
Description
Keywords
Biological control, Efficacy, Plant-parasitic nematodes