Nematicidal Property of Phytochemical Alpha - Terthienyl against Root Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

Aims: Documentation of the nematicidal effect of Alpha-terthienyl on Meloidogyne incognita.

Study Design: Complete randomized design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Nematology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore between 2021-2023.

Methodology: This study used a purified synthetic compound of Alpha-terthienyl (α-T).it is a plant-derived phytochemical from Marigold (Tagetes sp.). This study examines the effect of alpha-terthienyl on egg hatching and juvenile mortality under laboratory conditions. Four different concentrations of alpha-terthienyl were tested for their influence on in vitro studies. A uniform size of single egg mass of M. incognita was incubated. Observations on hatching were recorded. Juveniles of M. incognita were incubated in alpha-terthienyl were examined.

Results: The result showed 100% percent inhibition at 2 ppm concentration. A similar trend was observed in Juvenile (J2) mortality also showed 100% mortality at 2 ppm. A check was maintained in tap water for comparison.

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, Alpha-terthienyl was effective against M. incognita under in vitro conditions. Hence it could be used for the management of M. incognita in vegetable crops which also increase yield.