Eucalyptus Essential Oil Nanoemulsion as a Potent Bionematicide against Second-Stage Juveniles of Meloidogyne javanica

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica is a devastating plant pathogen causing substantial global agricultural losses. While chemical nematicides remain a primary control strategy, their adverse environmental effects demand eco-friendly alternatives. This study demonstrates the potent nematicidal activity of a eucalyptus oil-based nanoemulsion against second-stage juveniles (J۲s) of M. javanica. In vitro exposure to nanoemulsion concentrations (۰.۳۲-۱.۱۷ ppm) resulted in dose- and time-dependent mortality, with the highest concentration achieving complete J۲s lethality within ۷۲ hours. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the nanoemulsion induces catastrophic structural damage, including cuticular erosion, internal tissue disintegration, and molting disruption, while severely impairing nematode motility. These findings provide mechanistic evidence that eucalyptus nanoemulsion acts as a multifaceted bionematicide, targeting both structural integrity and physiological processes in M. javanica. Our results position this plant-derived nanoformulation as a promising, environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic nematicides.

کلیدواژه ها:

Meloidogyne javanica ، Nanoemulsion ، Eucalyptus ، Bionematicide ، AFM