Biological activities and chemical composition of Pistacia lentiscus in controlling Fusarium wilt and root-knot nematode disease complex on tomato

The experiments were carried out under laboratory and greenhouse conditions to study the biocontrol potential of aqueous extracts of Pistacia lentiscus (L.) at different concentrations (C5: 100%, C4: 75%, C3: 50%, C2: 25%, C1:10% w / v ) against Meloidogyne javanica and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici . In vitro assays, showed that the inhibition rate of F. oxysporum growth increased progressively by increasing the extract concentration, reaching about 83% at the highest concentration C5. However, the fungi growth rate (VC: mm/h) and the spore germination rate correlated negatively with the extract concentration. The results showed that M. javanica juvenile mortality increased significantly with all tested concentrations of plant extract after 72 h of exposure time. Furthermore, C3, C4 and C5 increased similarly the net mortality (C3: 96%, C4: 97%, C5: 96%) of M. javanica juveniles. Egg hatching decreased significantly with the increase of concentration of P. lentiscus aqueous extracts. The lowest level of egg hatching was recorded with C5 (38.2%). Furthermore, the P. lentiscus extract promoted the growth of tomato plant and reduced the incidence of wilt disease complex on tomato seedlings. The phytochemical analysis showed the high phenolic (quinic and gallic acids) and flavonoids (quercetin) content and antioxidant activity of the P. lentiscus extract. The considerable biocidal activities and valuable chemical composition suggested the future application of this plant in new bio-pesticides formulation.