Anti-nemic potential of Laurencia papillosa and Dilophys fasciola biosynthesized nano-extracts against tomato root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita

Due to the damaging effects of root-knot nematodes on crops and the dangerous effects of chemical nematicides on both people and the environment in Egypt, the purpose of this study was to assess the power of polysaccharides and polyphenol extracts as well as their nano-forms from marine algae (Laurencia papillosa and Dilophys fasciola) used as eco-friendly alternatives for the control of Meloidogyne incognita. The nano-forms of algal extracts efficiently suppressed M. incognita egg hatching and increased juvenile mortality compared to the control. The tested treatments effectively decreased galls and egg masses of tomato roots compared to the control in the field. Dilophys fasciola extract and its nano-form showed promising nematicidal activity compared to L. papillosa extract. Generally, algal treatments boosted tomato plant defense system against M. incognita by triggering the production of some biochemical constituents such as phenolic compounds, polyphenol oxidase and chitinase enzymes. Consequently, the productivity and quality parameters of tomato fruits significantly increased.