The effectiveness of dry leaf powder of Phyllanthus amarus Scumach and Thonn. and Alstonia boonei De Wild, on the root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita attacking tomato Solanum lycopersicum L. Var. Roma VF

Abstract

Field trials to test the effectiveness of dry powder of Chanca piedra (Phyllanhtus amarus) and Alstonia boonei De Wild against root knot nematode infecting tomato Solanum lycopersocum var. Roma VF were conducted in the Teaching and Research Farm of University of Ilorin in 2013 and 2014 planting seasons. Two-week old tomato seedlings, raised in the nursery, were transplanted in the experimental plots and the two treatments of powdered Phyllanhtus amarus or Alstonia boonei were applied at 1t/ha and 1.5t/ha respectively. Untreated plots served as the controls. Phytochemical screening of the botanicals for the presence of bio-active compounds was also conducted. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, number of fruits/ yield, soil nematode population, and root gall index. All numerical data were subjected to statistical analysis and significantly different values were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at p=0.05. The results showed that tomato was susceptible to root knot nematode; plants from the treated plots showed more growth, higher yields, and fewer root galls than the control plants. Treated soil showed a reduction in soil nematode populations. The bio-active components present in the two botanicals were alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. Others were terpenoids in P. amarus and glycocides in A. boonei. It is therefore suggested that P. amarus and A. boonei be adopted for nematode management where tomato especially var. Roma VF is grown.