Effect of Neem Oil-based Nano-emulsion Application on Nematodes Infestation and Soil Microbial Activity of Fig Seedlings

Ashwaq M Alnemari, Nabil SA Mustafa*, Mohamad F ElDahshouri, Noweer E MA, Elkelany US, Ibrahim A Matter, HH Shaarawy, MA Hassoub, Rasha E Selim and Zuhair Raghda M

Various chemical nematicides are currently used effectively in the control of plant parasitic nematodes, but unfortunately, they have adverse effects on humans (carcinogenic) and the environment. Neem oil is one of the safe and effective alternatives to nematicides in the soil. The effectiveness of repeated neem oil application in suppressing nematode infestation in fig seedlings was therefore examined in this study, both in its natural form (10 ml/L) and in its nano-emulsion form (5 and 7 ml/L). The number of nematodes, egg mass, and galls on the stems of infected fig seedlings were measured at that time, and the effects of these natural additives were compared with the usual chemical insecticide (Starkim). The impact of such soil amendments on some typical plant parameters, the total microbial count (CFU) of soil, and the overall enzymatic activity of the fig rhizosphere were also included. Obtained results revealed that the nematode populations were suppressed by 80.3% due to the application of nano-emulsion of neem oil (at 7 ml/L) Also, nano-emulsion of neem oil resulted in the higher reduction of nematode egg mass (60.4%) after the third application. Regarding galls, the findings were closed from 66% to 64.6, 64.3, and 64.2%, respectively, for nematicides, normal neem oils, and nano-emulsion forms). Moreover, the results for plant (water content, fresh and dry weight) and soil health parameters (total microbial count and rooting enzyme activity) were in favor of the nano-emulsion of neem oil. From the above, the results of the present work recommend the use of nano-emulsion of neem oil as one of the effective and eco-friendly means to reduce nematode infection (and many other pathogens) as a promising approach towards safe organic farming.

Keywords:

Published on: Nov 22, 2024 Pages: 158-164

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/2455-815X.000220
CrossMark Publons Harvard Library HOLLIS Search IT Semantic Scholar Get Citation Base Search Scilit OAI-PMH ResearchGate Academic Microsoft GrowKudos Universite de Paris UW Libraries SJSU King Library SJSU King Library NUS Library McGill DET KGL BIBLiOTEK JCU Discovery Universidad De Lima WorldCat VU on WorldCat