Efficacy Test of Curry Leaf (Murraya koenigii L.) Powder Application in Controlling Nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) Infestation on Celery (Apium graveolens L.)

Abstract

Plant pests and diseases—such as cutworms, aphids, mites, and nematodes, as well as stem rot and Cercospora and Septoria leaf spots—pose major challenges to celery cultivation. Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are known to reduce both quality and yield. This study evaluated the effectiveness of curry leaf (Murraya koenigii L.) powder in suppressing Meloidogyne spp. infestation on celery (Apium graveolens L.). A single-factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed, comprising a control (500 larvae without powder) and four powder dosages: 9 g, 12 g, 15 g, and 18 g. The results indicated that the 18 g treatment was the most effective in reducing infestation intensity, resulting in only 1.0% damage compared to 6.7% in the control.