Effect of Fig Tree (Ficus Sycomorus) Root Exudates on Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne Javanica)

Abstract

The effect of fig tree (Ficus sycomorus) root exudates on root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) was evaluated in the Laboratory of the Department of Crop Production and Horticulture/Crop Protection, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola in 2008. This was to determine the egg hatch and juvenile mortality of M. javanica and also the nematicidal properties of the root exudates. The experimental design used was the Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of six (6) treatments replicated four (4) times for both F. sycomorus root exudates for egg hatch and juvenile mortality. The result obtained shows that, egg hatch in 10% concentration of F. sycomorus root exudates at 168hours of exposure was significantly higher (318.00) followed by 8% concentration (296.00) at 168hours and the least was observed in 2% concentration of F. sycomorus root exudates at 24hours of exposure (97.00). Similarly, juvenile mortality at 100% concentration of F. sycomorus root exudates at 168hours of exposure was significantly higher (132.00) followed by 80% concentration (107.00) at 168hours and the least was reported in 0% concentration at 24hours exposure (9.00) at p≤0.05 using the least significant difference (LSD) test for variables. The result clearly shows that, egg hatch and juvenile mortality in all the treatments increased significantly with increase in time of exposure and concentration of the root exudates. 70% of juvenile mortality was recorded on the 7 th day (168hours) at the highest concentration of 100%, which further stressed that, F. sycomorus root exudates has nematicidal properties. The chemical analysis of the root exudates also reveals that, saponins, phenols, 3.5% alkaloids and pH of 6.81 were confirmed.