Control of plant parasitic nematodes with active saponins and biomass from Medicago sativa

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Abstract

Medicago sativa L., alfalfa, is the mostknown plant species within the Medicago genus. Theplant has been extensively studied for its content ofsaponins, mainly consisting of triterpene glycosidesof medicagenic acid, possessing several biologicalproperties including a biocidal activity on differentsoil microorganisms. Phytoparasitic nematodes areresponsible for heavy economic damages to numerousagricultural crops and, due to their large distribution,they are among the most difficult crop pests tocontrol. Attention on environmental safety andhuman and animal health has led to the progressivedismission of many synthetic formulations for thecontrol of those pests and to the search of alternativestrategies, including the use of natural metabolitesfrom plants. Saponins from M. sativa may be goodcandidates for natural nematicide formulations, as inour in vitro studies the saponin mixtures fromM. sativa tissues have been found effective in vitroagainst the virus-vector nematode Xiphinema index,the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita andthe potato cyst parasite, Globodera rostochiensis. Astructure–activity relationship among saponins andrelated prosapogenins and sapogenin, respectively,has also been analyzed. The nematicidal efficacydiffered among the three assayed nematode species,G. rostochiensis being the most susceptible to theactive compounds from alfalfa. The in vitro resultswere also confirmed by experiments in potting mixesinfested by M. incognita or G. rostochiensis andamended with dry top and root material fromM. sativa, and in field trials on M. incognita andcarrot cyst nematode Heterodera carotae withM. sativa pelleted meal. All amendments reducedroot and soil population densities of target nematodespecies compared to non-treated and chemical controls,with a general improvement of plant growth andyield performances.

Autore Pugliese

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  • D'Addabbo T.; Carbonara T.; Leonetti P.; Radicci V.; Tava A.; Avato P.

Titolo volume/Rivista

Phytochemistry reviews

Anno di pubblicazione

2010

ISSN

1568-7767

ISBN

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Numero di citazioni Wos

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Settori ERC

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Codici ASJC

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