ABSTRACT
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are the common pests of medicinal and aromatic plants. Chemical nematicides have been the dominant method of nematode management. However, it became necessary to test the field application potential of bio-organic products like oilseed cakes compared to standard nematicides to satisfy eco-friendly demands. Oilseed cakes have been documented as a good soil amendment that protects plants against nematodes. The seeds of oilseed cake made from cotton (Gossypium barbadense) contain various chemical components. Studies suggest that these cakes contain several volatile organic compounds, including crude protein, crude fibre, calcium, phosphorus, terpenes, phenols and others. In addition, these cakes have various polyphenols, out of which gossypols are a major component responsible for the nematicidal effect. Furthermore, cotton oilseed cake also contains glycerol-1 alkanoates, bikojic acid, limonene, cellulose, hexadecanoic acid, vicilin and tetradecanoic acid. These compounds have killing properties to nematodes and significantly inhibit the juveniles hatching from egg masses as well as root penetration. Cotton oilseed cakes are effective against Meloidogyne spp., Pratylenchus spp., Tylenchorhynchus spp. and other nematodes.
