Comparative efficacy of essential oil nanoemulsions and bioproducts as alternative strategies against root-knot nematode, and its impact on the growth and yield of Capsicum annuum L.

Abstract

In a study to compare the effectiveness of some essential oil nanoemulsion and bioproducts as an alternative to chemical nematicide in control of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita parasitizing on chili pepper, Capsicum annuum L. plants, in parallel with the plant growth and yield under two varying conditions; in vitro, greenhouse and plastic house (intended for commercial production). In an in vitro study, basil and mint essential oil nanoemulsions (at a rate of 5%) achieved the best effects on morality reduction percentage (100%) at droplet sizes of 48.10 nm and 97.3 nm, respectively, compared with the non-treated control. In the greenhouse, Basil and Mint essential oil nanoemulsions (at 5%) (82.59% and 81.52%) and at 3% (77.6% and 72.15%), respectively, ranked second on population reduction, with approximately the effect of Bio-arc (at 2.5 g/L) (74.81%), after Nemaphose (92.7%). A similar pattern was found in a plastic house with a noted positive effect on the increase in yield, where Basil and Mint essential oil nanoemulsions (at 5%) achieved 113.42 and 108.23, respectively.

Keywords

• Essential oil nanoemulsion
• Root-knot nematode
• Bio-agnates
• Chili pepper
• Capsicum annuum L.