Nematicidal Activity of Bulb Gourd (Lagenaria Siceraria) Leaf Extract and Powder in the Control of Rootknot Nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) on Tomato in Yola, Nigeria

The activity of L.siceraria against Meloidogyne javanica was investigated in an experiment conducted in 2022 and 2023 at the Crop Protection Department’s laboratory and Screen house, in Modibbo Adama University, Yola. Eggs and juveniles of M.javanica were exposed to leaf extract concentrations and distilled water for 96 hours (4 day). Also, tomato Roma seedlings roots were inoculated with 1000 M.javanica juveniles. Data were collected. Results showed the 95% extract greater mortality of nematode juveniles with 51% and least percentage eggs hatched with 22%. Result of the pot experiment showed the 15 g powder treatment gave taller tomato plants (122.33 and 123.63 cm), lowest final nematode population (28,722.5 and 28,903.2 nematodes) and lowest reproduction factor (28.72 and 28.90) in 2022 and 2023. Therefore, the 95% leaf extract concentration and 15 g leaf powder treatment of L.siceraria are the better treatment for managing M.javanica infestation in tomato in Yola.