Nematicial effect of cinnamic aldehyde on root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

Cinnamic aldehyde exhibited a remarkable nematicidal activity against infective juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita. LC 50 was 10ppm for 24 hr in water following 24 hr immersion in the solution at 25°C . The empirical formula was Y=-0.7808+5.6788X, where Y was the probit of mortality and X was the log dosage (ppm). When the dose exceeded 30ppm for 24hr no larvae survived. However a larger dose was required for the soil application, ca. 2g per 10l soil to reduce the damage caused by root-knot nematodes. On the other hand, the number of free-living nematodes, especially rhabditid nematodes, increased conspicuously soon after soil application of the chemical at the rate of 1-2g/10l. This chemical is recommended as a soil fumigant for small areas, as it is highly volatile.