Nematicidal activity of silver nanoparticles of botanical products against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

Abstract

Current study investigated the nematicidal activity of leaf extracts of Conyza dioscoridis, Melia azedarach, and Moringa oleifera that were prepared as silver nanoparticles (Ag-NP). The characterisation and size confirmation of the Ag-NP were done by UV–vis spectrophotometry and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The phytochemical contents of crude extracts and the nano formulations were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Results revealed that silver nanoparticles of C. dioscoridis extractives had great nematicidal activity against the 2nd stage juvenile (J2) and eggs of Meloidogyne incognita. Also, the Ag-NP showed similar nematicidal effect to the reference nematicide; rugby. The GC-MS analysis revealed the increase of certain metabolites due to the formulation of the Ag-NPs. Aromadendrene, 1-hydroxy-1,7-dimethyl-4-isopropyl-2,7-cyclodecdiene, 6-epi-shyobunol, 4-hexylacetophenone, β-isocomene, caryophyllene, β- and α-selinene, α-cadinol, berkheyaradulen, and bis-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate were increased more than 2.5-folds in the Ag-NP compared the extract. Therefore, the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles might be a safe, effective and affordable nematicide alternatives.