Abstract

The nematicidal effect of different extracts of Acacia nilotica leaves/seeds andGymnema sylvestre leaves were tested against Meloidogyne incognita larvae at the concentrations of 1, 0.5, 0.25 and 0.125%, up to three days. All extracts showed nematicidal mortality. Nematicidal mortality was 100% with the use of 1% concentration of leaves ethyl alcohol extract of G. sylvestre and ethyl acetate leaves extracts of A. nilotica after 2 days. Qualitative analysis of the phytochemicals of alcohol extracts revealed the presence of carbohydrates, saponins, triterpene saponins belonging to oleanane and dammarene,phytosterols, phenols, flavonoids and tannins in all the plants. Quantitative analysis showed that, the crude saponin was the major phytochemical constituent present in highest percentage followed by crude oleanane and dammarene triterpene acidsin both of two plants. It is suggested that both of these two plants possess nematicidal properties that could be developed and used as natural nematicides for nematode control.

Key words: Acacia nilotica, nematicidal activity, ellagic acid, oleanolic acid 3-glycosides, quercetin 3-glycosides, 3,19-dihydroxy-12-ursen-28-oic acid.