In-vitro Nematicidal Activity of Different Solvent Extracts of Solanum torvum Fruit against Meloidogyne incognita

Root-knot nematodes are harmful plant parasites that significantly reduce agricultural productivity, affecting about 2,000 plant species and causing 5% of global crop losses. Due to concerns about the environmental impact of chemical nematicides, plant-based alternatives are gaining attention. This study, conducted in September-October 2023 at the University of Mysore, tested four solvent extracts (aqueous, petroleum ether, ethanol, and methanol) from Solanum torvum fruit at varying concentrations (10-100%) for their effects on egg hatchability and juvenile mortality of Meloidogyne incognita. Results showed that the methanolic extract was most effective, achieving 99% inhibition of egg hatching and 100% juvenile mortality at 100% concentration. This suggests that Solanum torvum extract could be an eco-friendly and economical method for managing root-knot nematodes. Further research is needed to evaluate its field efficacy and to identify the active compounds responsible for its nematicidal properties.