Potential Nematicidial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Against the Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne Incognita)

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are incredibly damaging pests, which cause significant losses in crop yields worldwide. One of the most prevalent PPNs is the root-knot nematode ( Meloidogyne spp.) ranks number one on the most economically devastating list of pests and thus scientifically important PPNs. Recently, the use of chemical nematicides for root-knot nematode management has decreased due to governmental restrictions; which necessitates the development and identification of alternative pest management procedures. In this study, we evaluated the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a potential biopesticide under in-vitro conditions. AgNPs were synthesized utilizing a naturally occurring biopolymer (chitosan) as a reducing agent through microwave irradiation. When J2-stage nematodes were exposed to 0.0005 μg of AgNPs for 1 min, significant mortality (P ≤ 0.01) was observed and approximately 100% of nematodes became inactive within 24 and 48 hrs. Our preliminary study has demonstrated a potential environmentally friendly alternative for the management of the root-knot nematodes.