Nematicidal effect of eugenol on tomato plants

Abstract

Essential oils from several plant species have nematicidal properties and could be used for controlling root-knot nematodes. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the effect of eugenol concentrations on the control of Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica, in a greenhouse. The eugenol was applied at the concentrations of 0.25 mL L^-1, 0.5 mL L^-1, 0.75 mL L^-1 and 1.0 mL L^-1, as a foliar spray or soil drench. A complete randomized design, in a 4 x 2 + 1 factorial scheme (concentrations of eugenol x methods of application + control – additional treatment), with five replications, was used. The number of galls and eggs of M. incognita and eggs of M. javanica decreased in plants treated with eugenol, when compared to the control. Soil drench was the most efficient method for applying eugenol, regarding the reduction in the number of galls. Increasing concentrations of eugenol reduced the number of M. incognita eggs. Eugenol showed potential to be used in the management of root-knot nematodes, though further studies are necessary to support such an expectation.