Abstract

Root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes are among the most important causes of reduced eggplant (Solanum melongena) yield. Therefore, an investigation was conducted during 2017 at Shahrekord lab to evaluate the effictiveness of neem application on the control of root-knot nematode in eggplant. During a survey of an eggplant field, M. javanica was identified from the rhizosphere soil samples. Fresh leaf extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica), including positive control (fenamiphos), were investigated in vivo for efficacy against M. javanica in root and soil. Seedlings of eggplant were inoculated with 3000 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) M. javanica in pot trials, with treatments comprising fresh leaf extracts of neem (A. indica) a series of concentrations. Fifty-six days after inoculation, the phytonematicide had reduced eggs and J2 in soil by 66-92%, gall number by 48-96%, and gall index by 33-89%. The best treatment was neem (40 ppm) that was a significant difference between neem (20 ppm) and neem (30 ppm) (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference with fenamiphos (P > 0.05). The results showed neem (40 ppm) was the best treatment for controlling root-knot nematode in eggplant.