Evaluation of some medicinal and aromatic plants to root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica infection

Eleven species of medicinal and aromatic plants were tested for their host suitability to root- knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica under greenhouse conditions. The nematode species succeeded in developing and multiplying on almost the tested plants. Host suitability was assessed 60 days after inoculation on basis of root gall index (GI) and reproduction factor (Rf). Six species namely, Mentha piperita, Mentha viridis, Ocimum sanctum, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Cymbopogon citratus were recorded as immune to M. javanica, no galls and nematode found on these plants. Whereas, Ocimum caryophyllatum and Mentha longifolia were considered as very resistant hosts with Rf values of 0.61 and 1.69. Tested species, Pimpinella anisum, considered had as moderately resistant with Rf value of 2.82 followed Ocimum basilicum regarded as slightly resistant with Rf value of 3.70. Though Rosmarinus officinalis hadsusceptible host to nematode infection with Rf value 8.43. Moreover, there was significant reduction in both shoot and root weights of the tested all plant species.