THREE MOST SCREENED NEMATICIDAL PLANTS IN AFRICA: A REVIEW

In the last few decades, the use of botanical nematicides has been on a steady increase across the globe. This could be undoubtedly attributed to the current market demand for synthetic chemical-free agricultural produce, coupled with the desire to protect the ecosystem from the residual side effects of synthetic chemical nematicides. Therefore, there has been a greater interest in plant material (leaves, roots, flowers, peels) to discover other potent eco-friendly phytochemical nematicides. Nevertheless, based on literature studies, we have identified neem (Azadichracta indica), African marigold (Tagetes spp) and Garlic (Allium sativum) to be the three most screened plants for bioactive compounds against Plant Parasitic Nematodes (PPN) in the Laboratory, screen house and on the fields in Africa. However, with the ongoing research and screening programmes, more plants with potent nematicidal activity will be identified in African countries.