Abstract

Nematodes are obligatory parasites that compromise agricultural production worldwide. The use of alternative methods to replace the chemical pesticides in the control of this pest is increasingly growing, due to its pollution to the environment. In order to evaluate the biocidal effect of plant extracts, combinations of extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica), croton (Croton campestris) and manioc (Manihot esculenta) were used in the control of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in tomato plants. The extracts were obtained from dried leaves and exposed to cold extraction with ethanol, under reduced pressure, with the aid of rotaevaporador. The application of the treatments took place 72 h after inoculation of suspension with 4,000 eggs/juveniles in the region of the root. Extracts from croton and cassava promoted plant height in the order of 26.75 and 34.50%, respectively; while neem extract inhibited the numbers of nematode juveniles in the root (51.34%), croton (50.85%), and manioc (41.31%). As for juveniles in the soil, only 47.33% was reduced in cassava. However, the mix of the extracts potentiated the effects on improvement of growth parameters and reduction of nematode parasitism.

Key words: Alternative control, Meloidogyne incognita, Solanum lycopersicum.