Abstract
Meloidogyne incognita is a common pest of carrots grown in hot climates. Existing control methods using synthetic nematicides are associated with contamination and intoxication of plants and the production environment. Recent research trends in pest control include investigations on the use of plant materials. In the present study, Blumea aurita compost, powder, and essential oil were assessed in comparison with Furadan for mitigating the effects of M. incognita on carrot plants. The essential oil was applied at 10, 20, and 30 mg·ml−1, while the compost and powder were applied at 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 kg·m−2. The characteristic components of B. aurita essential oil were trans-α-bergamotene (18.04%), caryophyllene epoxide (15.01%), eugenol (11.59%), carvacrol (11.02%), geraniol (10.13%), 1-octen-3-ol (7.03%), 1,8-cineole (7.02%), δ-elemene (7.01%), and α-copaene (6.20%). The reproduction of M. incognita on carrot roots and the level of M. incognita soil infestation were significantly reduced by B. aurita compost and essential oil. The effect of B. aurita compost was comparable to that of the standard nematicide – Furadan. Therefore, materials derived from B. aurita may prove to be an interesting alternative in inhibiting M. incognita populations.