Impact of natural bio-stimulants on increasing plant growth with anti-nematodic activity

Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes are responsible worldwide about $100 billion crop yield loss and the most destructive ones are root knot nematodes. Plant parasitic nematodes could be free-living or endoparasites, which form their feeding sites (stylets) inside plants roots to redirect the nutrients toward the parasite. Chemical control methods are used to control these dangerous nematodes; although most of these chemicals are banned due to their high toxicity to the environment and human health. In absence of commercial vital treatment for RKNs, this study discusses natural biological ways to control the effects of RKNs and to stimulate the plants growth increasing crop yield. Specifically using plant extracts with anti nematocidial activities. The field study took place in eggplant greenhouses; using three different plant extracts form garlic pepper and onion. The three plants extracts were used in three concentration aiming for the best result with the lowest risk. Very high concentrations of extracts were not used to avoid any negative drawbacks. The three selected plants managed the nematodic activity and reduced the numbers of RKNs very well. Also the plants made respective increase in all plants aspects including crop yield quality and quantity comparable to the untreated plants. The three plants gave different rates of efficacy in the enhancement of plants growth and reduction of nematodes at soil and roots system. But generally the three plants extracts showed effective positive results at controlling fields with nematodic infection.