In vitro and in vivo effects of Melaleuca alternifolia nanoparticles in Meloidogyne sp.

- Nanoparticles of M. alternifolia presented activity against Meloidogyne sp.
- The nematicide action has been observed in vivo at different times/concentrations
- Nanoparticles were active and similar regarding action to Abamectin.

Soybeans in Brazil stand out as the major grain grown throughout the country, being economically and socially essential. However, there are several limiting factors for its production such as diseases caused by nematodes, mainly the species of the genus Meloidogyne sp. that prevent the production in infested areas. In order to find new alternatives for the protection and control of such disease, the following study aimed to determine the nematicidal activity of Melaleuca alternifolia oil in its pure form and solid lipid nanocarriers containing the oil. It was found that both the pure essential oil and its nanostructured form presented nematicidal potential in vitro and in vivo, however, at different times of action. All concentrations were active and similar regarding action to abamectin, the conventional treatment. In this sense, this paper for the first time presents the action of M. alternifolia nanoparticles in the treatment/prevention of infections by Melodogyne sp.

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