Anthelmintic activity of plant aqueous extracts against Panagrellus redivivus in vitro

ABSTRACT Control of phytonematodes is very hard and requires a combination of techniques to succeed. Alternative control through plant extracts may result in the discovery of nematicide substances. Research aimed at evaluating the effect of 33 plants submitted to aqueous extraction against Panagrellus redivivus in vitro. Concentrations were prepared at 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20%. Monitoring happened at 0, 6, 12, 24 and 30 hours after preparation. Counting considered dead nematodes subtracted from alive ones. Juveniles were also counted, and extract efficiency was expressed in percentage of control or stimuli. Data were submitted to variance analysis. Significant results got with the Scott-Knott test (5%), and multiple linear regression analysis. Extracts were observed acting as controllers, but also as stimulators to nematode reproduction. The best controlling performance was set by Carica papaya (-66% at 20%; -33.7% at 10%), Euphorbia milii (-37% at 20%), Psychotria carthagenensis (-25.5% at 2.5%), Clusia variegate (-22% at 20%), and Zamioculcas zamiifolia (-21.5% at 20%). Stimulator extracts were Mentha villosa at 10% (+148%) and 2.5% (+131.5%), followed by Aloe vera (+123% at 5%), Schinus molle (+112.5% at 10%), Schefflera arboricola (+93.5% at 5%), C. variegate (+89% at 5%), and S. molle (+88% at 5%). Some extracts kept population stable throughout the experiment, presenting lower control indexes. Besides an additive effect, there was an individual influence of concentration or time on control.