Identification of bioactive compounds in cavalcade leaves for nematicidal activity against Hirschmanniella mucronata and Meloidogyne graminicola using LC-QTOF-MS

Hirschmanniella mucronata and Meloidogyne graminicola are the main plant-parasitic nematodes found in paddy fields in Thailand causing significant rice production yield losses. Although these nematodes are found widely in fields, an effective management method has not been documented. Here, we examined the nematicidal effects of different cavalcade leaf ages (1-, 2- and 3-month-old), used as aqueous extracts and soil amendments, on H. mucronata and M. graminicola. In vitro tests evidenced maximum mortality of H. mucronata (55.6–60.0%) in 50 mg ml−1 extract from all leaf ages, while mortality (65.9%) and hatchability (67.0%) of M. graminicola second-stage juveniles were observed in 50 mg ml−1 extract from 1-month-old leaves only. Moreover, aqueous extracts of cavalcade showed a repellent effect on both nematodes. Similarly, greenhouse experiments showed a significant reduction of H. mucronata population densities and reproduction of M. graminicola in soil amended with 0.5 and 1.0% (w/w) from each leaf age. LC-QTOF-MS analysis determined that three bioactive compounds, including quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol, are associated with the nematicidal activity of cavalcade against H. mucronata and M. graminicola. The information derived from this study indicates that the leaves of cavalcade are a source of promising phytonematicidals. This is the first study to assess and document its potential for nematicidal activity against H. mucronata and M. graminicola in Thailand. However, further research is needed to evaluate their efficacy under paddy field conditions. •We studied the effects of cavalcade leaves on H. mucronata (Hm) and M. graminicola (Mg)•Maximum mortality of Hm was observed in extract from all leaf ages•Maximum inhibition of Mg eggs and J2s was found in extract from 1-month-old leaves•Soil amended with cavalcade leaves reduced populations of Hm and Mg on rice•Nematicidal compounds present in the leaves are quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol