In- Vitro Studies on the Nematicidal Potential of Extracts of Seeds of Some Members of Family- Fabaceae in Jos

Abstract

In-vitro nematicidal potentials of varying concentrations of extracts from seeds of three leguminous plants i.e. Erythrina senegalensis, Leucaena leucocephala and Senna siamea were investigated in juvenile mortality of the second stage larva of Meloidogyne species at the botanical nursery of the University of Jos, between the months of March and April, 2010. The nematodes were extracted from galled roots of tomato obtained from four different farms in Jos, while seeds of the legumes were collected dry from The University of Jos and
environs. Nematicidal test was carried out with different concentrations of the extract (40g/ml, 60g/ml, 80g/ml; 100g/ml) while distilled water served as control. All the treatments were repeated three times. Live nematodes were counted every twenty-four (24) hours for six (6) days. Phytochemical screening of the seed extracts was also carried out. The results revealed that all the seeds used had nematicidal properties but to varying degrees. Erythrina senegalensis exhibited the highest nematicidal activity while Leucaena leucocephala recorded the least.