Efficacy of African Marigold Extract on the Management of Nematode Infestation on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.)

Abstract

The study assessed the efficacy of leaf and root extract of African Marigold for the management of nematode infestation on tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.). The experiment was conducted at the Horticultural nursery of the Crop Production Department. Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. Data collected on the following parameters; number of leaves, flowers and fruits, leaf area, height, girth and fruit weight were subjected to Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Tomato plants treated with the root extract of African Marigold showed significantly higher number of leaves 974), flowers 98), and fruits (6). thicker stems 91.1cm), tallest plant (48.9 cm), broader leaf area (9.3 cm2) and were statistically higher than other treatment. It was observed that 30 ml of African Marigold root extracts performed better in suppressing the activities of the nematode thus translating to improved growth and yield of tomatoes. The study revealed that extracts of African marigold possess nematicidal properties that can be explored as alternative to synthetic nematicides in the control of nematode infection in tomatoes cultivation. It is recommended based on the findings from this research that 30 ml root extract of African marigold is required to improve the growth and fruit yield of tomato/plot against nematode infection. Further study is recommended for the evaluation of the extracts in the open, to be able to come up with recommended dose.