Evaluation of In vitro Nematicidal Efficiency of Copper Nanoparticles against Root-knot Nematode Meloidogyne Incognita

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are considered among the most deteriorating soilborne parasites that can significantly affect many plants. These nematodes are developing increased resistance against nematicides used currently to control them, therefore, continued use of these nematicides poses a challenge, thereby giving rise to the need for newer alternatives. This paper evaluated the In vitro nematicidal efficiency of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. In this study, CuNPs were prepared according to the chemical reduction method; physicochemical characterization of CuNPs was done using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering and Transmission Electron Microscopy.  When second stage juveniles (J2) of M. incognita were incubated in soil saturated with CuNPs (spherical shape; 100 nm diameter) for 3 days, it was found that J2 mortality is directly proportional to the  concentration of CuNPs and 0.2 g/L was sufficient to cause 100% mortality. Statistical analysis showed that all mortalities caused by treatment with CuNPs at different concentrations were statistically significant compared with non-treated control. Conclusively, this paper may provide a potential alternative nematicide against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Further In vivo and toxicological research on CuNPs should be conducted in order to assess the possible applicability of such nanoparticles as a nematicide.