Comparative biological activity of abamectin formulations on root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) infecting cucumber plants: in vivo and in vitro

The root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are considered one of the most destructive diseases in the world. In Egypt, farmers primarily rely on chemical nematicides, which have become costly to control. Currently, abamectin is a bio-based pesticide used as an alternative tool against Meloidogyne spp. on cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.). During the current research, four tested abamectin formulations were DIVA (1.8% EW), RIOMECTIN (5% ME), AGRIMEC GOLD (8.4% SC) and ZORO (3.6% EC) compared with two reference nematicides namely, CROP NEMA (5% CS) and TERVIGO (2% SC). The main results showed that, in vitro study elucidated that the most effective formulations of abamectin as a larvicidal were EW with LC(50) value of 21.66 µg ml(−1). However, in the egg hatching test, the formulations of abamectin SC (2%) and EW were the most effective in reducing egg hatching, with LC(50) values of 12.83 and 13.57 µg ml(−1). The calculated relative potency values showed diversity depending on the two referenced nematicides. On the other hand, in vivo study, the results indicated that, all tested formulations of abamectin recorded general mean reductions in root galls (23.05–75.23%), egg masses (14.46–65.63%). Moreover, the total population density declined by 39.24–87.08%. Furthermore, the influence of abamectin formulations, in the presence of root-knot nematodes, on the growth of cucumber plants parameters, such as root dry weight, root length, root radius, root surface area, shoot dry weight and shoot height, as well as the content of macro-elements (N, P and K) exhibited varying levels of response.