EFFECT OF BARLERIA ACANTHOIDES VAHL. ON ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE INFECTION AND GROWTH OF INFECTED OKRA AND BRINJAL PLANTS

Abstract

Barleria acanthoides Vahl. is a xerophytic herb found in Karachi. In the present study B. acanthoides was used against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitwood, In vitro and greenhouse experiments. Its effects on root-knot infection, growth, chlorophylls and protein contents in leaves of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. var. Arka anamika) and brinjal (Solanum melongena L. var. Black beauty) plants were observed. Aqueous extracts of B. acanthoides significantly inhibited egg hatching of root-knot nematode and caused appreciable mortality of second stage juveniles of M. javanica In vitro. Soil amendment with shoot material of B. acanthoides at 1% and 2% w/w significantly suppressed nematode galling in okra and brinjal roots. B. acanthoides amendment resulted in enhanced growth, chlorophyll and total protein contents in okra and brinjal compared to unamended M. javanica inoculated plants.