Plant Protection (Scientific Journal of Agriculture)

Plant Protection (Scientific Journal of Agriculture)

Effect of Tea Seed Extract on the Activity of Kiwifruit Root-knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) In vitro and Greenhouse Conditions

Document Type : Research paper-Persian

Authors
S. Rahemi 1
A. Seraji 2
E. Kahneh 3
S. Safaei Chaeikar 4
1 M.Sc. Graduate of Plant Pathology, Deylaman Institute of Higher Education, Lahijan, Guilan, Iran
2 Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology- Nematology, Tea Research Center, Horticultural Science Research Institute; Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Lahijan, Guilan, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor of Soil science, Tea Research Center, Horticultural Science Research Institute; Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Lahijan, Guilan, Iran.
4 Assistant Professor of Plant Breeding, Tea Research Center, Horticultural Science Research Institute; Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Lahijan, Guilan, Iran.
10.22055/ppr.2025.49273.1801
Abstract
Background and Objectives

Root-knot nematodes are among the most significant plant pathogens affecting kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa), causing substantial economic losses annually worldwide, including in Iran. Methods for controlling this nematode include using healthy and certified seedlings, chemical pesticide treatment, soil disinfection, resistant cultivars, chemical sprays, and biological control. Given the necessity of reducing chemical pesticide use in managing plant diseases, including nematodes in kiwifruit, exploring alternative control methods, such as plant extracts, is of great importance. Considering the region's widespread distribution of root-knot nematodes, biological management strategies can serve as a viable alternative to chemical pesticides and complement integrated nematode management efforts.

Materials and Methods

To evaluate the effect of tea seed extract on M. incognita nematode in kiwi, nematodes were propagated on the susceptible tomato cultivar (Early Orbana Y), and a pure and abundant population was obtained. Different concentrations of tea seed extract (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%, and 15%) were then prepared, and laboratory studies were conducted in a factorial design at four time intervals: 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The mortality rate of second-stage larvae and nematode egg hatching were assessed. In greenhouse studies, kiwi seedlings inoculated with M. incognita were treated with tea seed extract at the concentrations above. Three months after the last treatment application, the seedlings were transferred from the greenhouse to the laboratory. Plant growth indices, including height, number of lateral branches, root fresh weight, root volume, root length, chlorophyll content, and shoot fresh and dry weight, as well as nematode pathogenicity indices such as the average number of galls, the number of second-stage larvae per 100 grams of soil, and the number of adult females per gram of root, were measured.

Results

Laboratory studies showed that concentrations of 7.5%, 10%, and 15% tea seed extract resulted in 100% mortality of second-stage larvae and inhibited the hatching of M. incognita nematode eggs within the earliest time point of 24 hours. Also, in the greenhouse, a 15% concentration of tea seed extract enhanced plant growth indices and decreased nematode pathogenicity indices. Notably, in some indicators, a concentration of 10% also showed some effectiveness. Based on the results obtained, tea seed extract at a concentration of 15% can be recommended as the optimal concentration and an effective strategy for controlling root-knot nematodes in kiwifruit.

Discussion

Generally, the results of this research indicated that using 10% and 15% concentrations of tea seed extract by enhancing the growth indices of kiwi and weakening the vital and biological activities of the root-knot nematode M. incognita, leads to a reduction in the pathogenicity indices of the nematode. The present study's findings align with and confirm many similar studies conducted by researchers in previous years. The approach based on using plant extracts can be regarded as a promising strategy for the non-chemical control of root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne spp., as it reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides and ultimately prevents environmental hazards.
Keywords
Biological control
Damage
Management
Nematode
Subjects
References
Adegbite, A. A., & Adesiyan, S. O. (2005).  Root extracts of plants to control root-knot nematode on edible soybean. World Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 1(1), 18–21.
Alizadeh, P. Jamali, S., & Mousanejad, S. (2021). The effects of seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) and pagoda tree (Sophora alopecuroides) extracts on tomato root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). Plant Protection (Scientific Journal of Agriculture), 44(1), 23–39. https://doi.org/10.22055/PPR.2021.16779.
Aoudia, H., Ntalli, N., Aissani, N., Yahiaoui-Zaidi, R., & Caboni, P. (2012). Nematotoxic phenolic compounds from Melia azedarach against Meloidogyne incognita. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 60(47), 11675–11680.
Bahman Zayari, M., Olia, M., & Heydari, F. (2017). Nematicidal effect of aqueous extracts of several medicinal plants on tomato root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica). Plant Protection (Scientific Journal of Agriculture), 40(2), 1–13.
Banihashemian, S. N., Jamali, S., Golmohammadi, M., Noorizadeh, S., & Atighi, M. R. (2023). Reaction of commercial cultivars of kiwifruit to infection by root-knot nematode and its biocontrol using endophytic bacteria. Journal of Nematology, 55(1): 20230020. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2023-0020.
Danahap, L. S. Ocheme, E. L, & Okechalu, O. (2024). Nematicidal effects of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Neem) seeds on Meloidogyne species (root-knot nematodes). Bio-Research, 22(1): 2234–2241.
Eisenback, J. D. (1985). Detailed morphology and anatomy of second-stage juveniles, males and females of the genus Meloidogyne (root knot nematode). In: Sasser, J.N. and Carter, C.C. (eds) An Advanced Treatise on Meloidogyne. Volume I. Biology and Control. A cooperative publication of the Department of Plant Pathology and the United States Agency for International Development, North Carolina State University Graphics, Raleigh, North Carolina, pp. 47–77.
Elkelany, U. S., El-Mougy, N. S., & Abdel-Kader, M. M. (2020). Management of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita of eggplant using some growth-promoting rhizobacteria and chitosan under greenhouse conditions. Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control, 30(134), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41938-020-00334-w.
Ghareeb R. Y., El-Din N. G., Shams El‑Din., Maghraby, M. El. Ibrahim, D. S. S., Abdel-Megeed, A. & Abdelsalam, N.R. (2022). Nematicidal activity of seaweed‑synthesized silver nanoparticles and extracts against Meloidogyne incognita on tomato plants. Scientific Reports. 12. P. 3841.
Geyter, E. D., Lambert, E., Geelen, D., & Smagghe, G. (2007). Novel advances with plant saponin as natural insecticides to control pest insects. Pest Technology, 1(2), 96–105.
Hadiyan, S., Rahnama, K., Jamali, S., & Eskandari, A. (2008). The effect of ethanolic extract of neem fruit (Azadirachta indica) on the root knot nematode (Meloidogyne sp.). Plant protection and food, 3, 19–24.
Hashemi, S., Abdollahi, M., & Charehgani, H. (2017). Inhibitory effect of Quercus brantii L. extract on Meloidogyne javanica, the causal agent of root-knot disease, in tomato plants. Iranian Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 33(1), 39–50.
Hussey, R., & Barker, K. (1973). A comparison of methods of collecting inocula of Meloidogyne spp. including a new technique. Plant Disease Report, 57, 1025–1028.
Javed, N., Gowen, S. R., El-Hassan, S. A., Inam-ul-haq, M., Shahina, F., & Pembroke, B. (2008). Efficacy of Neem (Azadirachta indica) formulations on biology of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne javanica) on tomato. Crop Protection, 27, 39–43.
Jenkins, W. R. (1964). A rapid centrifugal flotation technique for separating nematodes from soil. Plant Disease Reporter, 48, 692.
Jie, L. H., Shao, P., Dan, F. H., Chang, L. & Ming, Y. X. (2012) Extraction of saponin from Camellia oleifera cake and evaluation of its antioxidant activity. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 47(8), 1676–1687.  
John, A., & Hebsy, B. (2000). Bare-root dip treatment of brinjal seedlings in phytochemicals for the management of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita). Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, 38(1), 69–72. https://hdl.handle.net/123456789/3107.
Kim, M. J., Jeon, C. W., Cho, G., Kim, D. R., Kwack, Y. B., & Kwak, Y. S. (2018). Comparison of Microbial Community Structure in Kiwifruit Pollens. Journal of Plant Pathology, 34(2), 143–149. https://doi.org/10.5423/PPJ.NT.12.2017.0281. 
Kim, Y. H., Khan, H. U., Kim, J. H., Jeon, Y. H., Lee, E. J., & Chang, S. P. (2003). Efficacy of soil amendment with medicinal plant materials for the control of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in tomato. Journal of Plant Pathology, 19, 138–142. https://doi.org/10.5423/PPJ.2003.19.3.138.
Lamberti, F., Ciccarese, F., Sasanelli, N., Ambrico, A., Daddabbo, T., & Schiavone, D. (2002). Relationship between plant parasitic nematods and Verticillium dahliae in olive. ISHS Acta Horticulture, 29, 3–9. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2002.586.161.
Li, M., Zhong, H., & Chen, Y. (2012). Study on tea saponin extraction from shell of oil-tea camellia seeds. International Conference on Mechanical Engineering and Material Science, Hunan, China. 451–456. https://doi.org/10.2991/mems.2012.72.
Mayo, P. S., & Bergeson, G. B. (1970). The role of secondary invaders in Meloidogyne incognita infection. The Journal of Nematology, 2(1), 80–83.
Moses, T., Papadopoulou, K. K., & Osbourn, A. (2014). Metabolic and functional diversity of saponins, biosynthetic intermediates and semi–synthetic derivatives. Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 49(6), 439–462. https://doi.org/10.3109/10409238.2014.953628.
Mousa, E. M., Mahdy, M. E., & Younis, D. M. (2011). Evaluation of some plant extracts to control root–knot nematode Meloidogyne spp. on tomato plants. Egyptian Journal of Agro Nematology, 10(1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.21608/EJAJ.2011.413693.
Nelmes, A. J. (1970). Behavioral responses of Heterodera rostochiensis larvae to aldicarb and its sulfoxide and sulfone. Journal of Nematology, 2, 223–227.
Oka, Y., Koltai, H., Bar-Eyal, M., Mor, M., Sharon, E., Chet, I., Spiegel, Y. (2000). New strategies for the control of plant-parasitic nematodes. Pest Management Science, 56, 983–988, https://doi.org/10.1002/1526-4998(200011)56:11<983: AID-PS233>3.0.CO;2-X.
Perry, R. N., Moens, M. and Starr, J. L. (2009) Root-Knot Nematodes. CAB Int., Wallingford, 520.  https://doi.org/10.1079/9781845934927.0000.
Rinaldi, L., Silva, M. T., Miamoto, A., Calandrelli, A., & Dias-Arieira, C. R. (2023). Combined effects of Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract and biological control agents on Meloidogyne javanica in soybean. Canadian journal of plant pathology, 45(3), 340–350. https://doi.org/10.1080/07060661.2023.2175913.
Satpal, D., Kaur, J., Bhadariya, V., & Sharma, K. (2021). Actinidia deliciosa (Kiwi fruit): A comprehensive review on the nutritional composition, health benefits, traditional utilization, and commercialization. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 45, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfpp.15588.
Shakeri, M., Sodaizadeh, H., & Hakimi, M. H., (2013). Allelopathic and nematodicidal effects of Capparis spinosa aqueous extracton growth parameters of cucumber and tomato. Sustainable Agriculture and Production Science, 23(2), 97–111.
Silva, J. C. P., Campos, V. P., Barros, A. F., Pedroso, M.  P., Terra, W.C., Lopez, L. E., & de Souza, J. T. (2018). Plant volatiles reduce the viability of the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne
incognita either directly or when retained in water. Plant disease, 102(11), 2170–2179. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-01-18-0143-RE.
Taylor, D. P., & Netscher, C. (1974). An improved technique for preparing perineal patterns of Meloidogyne spp. Nematologica, 20(2), 268–269.
Tibugari, H., Mombeshora, D., Mandumbu, R., Karavina, C., & Parwada, C. (2012). A comparison of the effectiveness of the aqueous extract of garlic, castor bean and marigold in the biocontrol of root-knoot nematode in tomato. Jornal of Agricultural Technology, 8(2), 479–492.
Wang, L. P., Wan, X. C., Hou, R. Y, Xu, J. F., & Wu, H. P. (2013). Control of Camellia plant extracts and its preparation against plant-parasitic nematodes. Journal of Anhui Agriculture, 40, 642–648.
Wen, Y. (2013). Nematicidal activity of ethanol extracts from tea cakes against Meloidogyne javanica. Journal of Northwest A&F University, 41, 73–77.
Wolters, D. J., Dijk, C. V., Akkermans, A. D. L., & Woldendorp, J. W. (1999). Ineffective Frankia and host resistance in natural populations of Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. Acta Oecologicu, 20(2), 71–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1146-609X(99)80018-6.
Yang, X., Wang, X., Wang, K., Su, L., Li, H., Li, R., & Shen, Q. (2015). The nematicidal effect of Camellia seed cake on root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica of banana. Plos One, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0119700.
Yang, X., Xue, C., Su, L., Cao, Y., Li, H., Wang, K., Li, R., & Shen, Q. (2018). Exploring patterns of Camellia seed cake application in relation to plant growth, soil nematodes and microbial biomass. Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 64, 253–264. https://doi.org/10.1080/00380768.2017.1421435.
Zhang, D., Ji, X., Meng, Z. Qi, W., & Qiao, K. (2018). Effects of fumigation with 1,3-dichloropropene on soil enzyme activities and microbial communities in continuous-cropping soil. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 169, 730–736. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.11.071.
 © 2025 by the authors. Licensee SCU, Ahvaz, Iran. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0 license) (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.
Plant Protection (Scientific Journal of Agriculture)
Volume 48, Issue 2
Spring 2025
Pages 97-113