Efficacy of Biofumigants for Controlling Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne) in Tomato Cultivation

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are formidable pests that impose severe constraints on agricultural productivity, particularly impacting the growth and yield of economically important crops such as tomatoes. This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of biofumigants derived from plants within the Brassicaceae and Non-Brassicaceae families, investigating their potential as environmentally friendly control measures against these nematodes. Specifically, it evaluates the nematicidal efficacy of biofumigants sourced from cabbage (Brassica oleracea), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and Tagetes (Tagetes spp.) in reducing root-knot nematode populations and enhancing growth-related parameters of tomato plants. The experimental design followed a completely randomized design format, featuring five distinct treatments to ascertain the effects of each biofumigant on nematode suppression and various plant growth metrics, including plant height, leaf count, and root wet weight. This investigation revealed a significant advantage of Brassicaceae-derived biofumigants, with cabbage showing the most potent nematicidal activity, achieving a 60.7% reduction in nematode populations compared to untreated control groups. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), representing the Non-Brassicaceae family, also exhibited promising effects, achieving a 50.9% reduction in nematode presence. By contrast, Tagetes spp. displayed relatively moderate efficacy, with a 30.8% reduction in nematode populations. Notably, while the application of these biofumigants did not lead to statistically significant changes in tomato plant height or leaf count, the results highlight the substantial potential of Brassicaceae-based biofumigants, particularly cabbage, as viable, sustainable, and ecologically sound strategies for managing root-knot nematodes in tomato cultivation. Such biofumigants could offer a promising alternative to chemical nematicides, reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. This study underscores the importance of further research into Brassicaceae-derived biofumigants to optimize their application and maximize their effectiveness in diverse agricultural systems.