Comparative field study of silver nanoparticles and garlic oil nanoemulsion for nematode control and yield enhancement in eggplant

The root knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita are the most serious threats affecting eggplant, Solanum melongena L. Chemical nematicides are commonly used against plant-parasitic nematodes, but due to their negative impact on health and the environment, safe and environmentally friendly alternatives have become increasingly important. Biological control using rhizospheric bacteria metabolites, and plant substances have, emerged as important alternatives to the use of agrochemicals. 

Recently, nanotechnology has revolutionized nematode management and its effectiveness in biological control. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of Bacillus cereus Nem 212 supernatant and garlic essential oil in their regular and nanoscale forms against M. incognita infecting eggplants CV. Baladi and investigate their impact on plant growth parameters under field conditions. 

All nano formulations produced higher nematicidal activities compared to their respective original extracts. Garlic oil nano emulsion and garlic oil emulsion were more effective as natural nematicides on M. incognita, and in enhancing eggplant growth parameters, followed by bio- silver nanoparticles synthesized by B. cereus Nem 212 filtrate. 

These formulations are promising and environmentally friendly alternatives for controlling root knot nematode and have the potential to reduce reliance on hazardous agrochemicals. In addition, these techniques increase vegetative plant growth and yield production.

Read the full article.