Evaluation of the Nematicidal Activity of Cuscuta reflexa Collected over Nerium oleander against Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne javanica

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the nematicidal efficacy of Cuscuta reflexa, a parasitic plant, as a safe and economical natural alternative to harmful synthetic nematicides. The methanol extract of C. reflexa and its fractions showed excellent activity against Meloidogyne javanica. GC/GC–MS analysis of the extract and fractions identified 46 compounds, including fatty acids and phenolics. Moreover, the nematicidal activity of 24 selected authentic compounds exhibited more than 80 to 100% mortality of M. javanica with a minimum 0.0612 ppm LC₅₀ at 0.125% of 0.1 mg/5 mL after 72 h, seven of which have been identified in the present studies. The nematicidal results revealed that fatty acids and their derivatives, phenolics and flavonoids, the inherent chemical constituents of C. reflexa, act synergistically to enhance the extract’s promising nematicidal activity. These findings suggest the potential of the C. reflexa extract and its fractions for innovative nematode management strategies in agriculture.