Evaluation of mustard oil emulsion against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, and wilt fungus Fusarium oxysporum

Mustard oil is known to exhibit activity against nematodes and pathogens due to the presence of Ally Isothiocyanate. Since the past decade, the use of plant-based pesticides is becoming more popular and a lot of research is being done worldwide on the use of plant metabolites for protecting crops against various biotic factors. In tomatoes, a disease complex involving root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, and wilt fungus, Fusarium oxysporum is known to cause severe loss in yield. This study was conducted to develop an emulsion of mustard oil and evaluate it against M. incognita and F. oxysporum. Since Mustard oil has low water solubility, it was stabilized into emulsion using surfactants (Tween 80 & Span 80). Mustard oil emulsion thus obtained was tested against the Meloidogyne incognita and Fusarium oxysporum. At 4000ppm concentration, Mustard oil emulsion caused 100% mortality of M. incognita infective juveniles and completely inhibited the hatching of nematode eggs. In the Potato Dextrose Agar medium amended with the emulsion, a clear zone of F. oxysporum growth inhibition was observed indicating the fungicidal activity of mustard oil emulsion. Based on the present study it is concluded that Mustard oil emulsion has outstanding effects against Meloidogyne incognita and Fusarium oxysporum. Additional field studies using the developed emulsion will be a step forward in precision agriculture.