In vitro inhibition of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica by aqueous extract of Zataria multiflora and Ferulago angulata and some of their compounds

Root knot nematodes are one of the most important plant parasitic nematodes that damage many crops، particularly vegetables. Increasing use of pesticides has caused environmental concern and the use of eco-friendly natural substances to control pests and plant diseases has become a priority. Nematicidal effects of the water extracts of different parts of two medicinal plants، namely Ferulago angulata (Schlecht.) Boiss and Zataria multiflora Boiss on root knot nematode، Meloidogyne javanica، were determined under laboratory condition. Concentrations of extract from plant parts were 0. 04%، 0. 2% and 0. 4% (w/w) of leaves، stem and flower and distilled water was used as control. Each treatment was replicated 4 times. All plant parts and concentrations from both tested plants، significantly (P>0. 01) increased the larval mortality and decreased the egg hatching of M. javanica، in comparison with controls. In case of larval mortality، the best treatments were flower extract of F. angulata (0. 4%) and leaf extract of F. angulata (0. 2% and 0. 4%) which caused more than 90% mortality in J2s، as compared to leaf extract of Z. multiflora (0. 4%) with 72% larval mortality. Although the larval mortality in control was 4. 33%، flower extract of F. angulata at the rate of 0. 4% killed 97. 33% of J2s. At the same rate، mortality of larva was 61. 67%، when stem extract of Z. multiflora was applied. Aqueous extract of the both tested plant materials 69-91% inhibited the egg hatching. Flower extract of F. angulata (0. 4%) was the best treatment with 90. 11% inhibition in egg hatch. Phytochemical analysis of plant extracts revealed the presence of flavonoid and tannin. Only stem extract of F. angulata had no steroid and there was no saponin in any of the tested plant extracts.