Effect of Eclipta alba Leaf Powder on the Control of Meloidogyne spp. Nematodes in Celery

Abstract

This Celery is an important vegetable crop with economic value and export potential. Although cultivated in both highland and lowland areas, its productivity often declines due to infestations of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), which damage the plant's root system. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Eclipta prostrata (urang-aring) leaf powder as a botanical pesticide for controlling root-knot nematodes in celery (Apium graveolens L.). The study involved applying E. prostrata leaf powder at dosages of 10 g, 15 g, 20 g, and 25 g, alongside a control treatment (no powder application). The powder was applied to the planting medium prior to transplanting, after which the plants were inoculated with 500 L2-stage Meloidogyne spp. larvae per plant. Observations were conducted 83 days after planting by measuring infestation intensity based on the root-knot index. The results demonstrated that the application of  E. prostrata leaf powder reduced root-knot nematode infestation intensity compared to untreated plants. A dosage of 10 g was effective in suppressing nematode infestation and yielded results comparable to higher dosages. This effectiveness is attributed to the bioactive compounds present in E. prostrata leaves, which inhibit nematode penetration and development within root tissues. Based on these findings, E. prostrata leaf powder has the potential to be developed as an eco-friendly botanical pesticide alternative for controlling root-knot nematodes in celery.