Effectiveness of Silver Nano-particles of Extracts of Urtica urens (Urticaceae) Against Root-knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita

Abstract

Natural products are an important resource for finding new pesticides. Additionally, preparation of elemental nano-particles of natural products was proven to be promising as anti-microbial agents. Present study aimed to examine the petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of Leaf extracts of U. urens and their silver-nano formulations as nematicides against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Leaf extracts of U. urens were prepared through successive extraction and the Ag-nanoparticles of extracts and the reference nematicide urens and their silver-nano formulations as nematicides against root-knot nematode (rugby®) were synthesized. Results revealed that Ag-nano formulations of extracts were effective in the management of Meloidogyne . M. incognita. There was an 11-fold of activity between Ag-rugby and the least toxic extract (ethyl acetate) against eggs. The LC50 values showed significant effects of Ag-rugby, rugby® and Ag-petroleum ether against the larvae compared with petroleum ether, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts. Petroleum ether extract and its Ag nano-particles might be considered as environmental-safe and effective nematicides alternatives against the invasive M. incognita