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The potential use of carvacrol for the control of Meloidogyne javanica

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Abstract

Root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp. are a major problem reducing vegetable’s production in Greece. The aim of this study was to determine the nematicidal activity of carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene present in the essential oils of several plant families. Nematicidal activities of carvacrol at doses of 250–1000 ppm showed strong effects on different life stages against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica, under laboratory conditions. In the present work, for the first time, we tested the vapour and sublethal dose activities of carvacrol. Particularly, carvacrol paralyzed more than 90% of second-stage juveniles (J2s) at a dose of 250 ppm. Also, it inhibited hatching as well as egg differentiation. Additionally, using carvacrol at sublethal doses, a reduction of female numbers per gram in tomato roots in pot experiment was recorded. Nevertheless, no nematostatic effects were observed in paralysis bioassays. These results indicate that the use of carvacrol may provide potential natural nematicide however further studies are needed to clarify its mode of action against nematodes.

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  1. Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Department of Science of Crop Production, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855, Athens, Greece

    Eleni Nasiou & Ioannis O. Giannakou

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  1. Eleni Nasiou
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  2. Ioannis O. Giannakou
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Correspondence to Eleni Nasiou.

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Nasiou, E., Giannakou, I.O. The potential use of carvacrol for the control of Meloidogyne javanica . Eur J Plant Pathol 149, 415–424 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-017-1191-z

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