Nematicidal effect of plant essential oils of the family Lamiaceae ON Panagrolaimus sp. (Nematoda:Panagrolaimidae)

Abstract

The long-term presence of conventional pesticides changes the ecological balance in nature, causing the disappearance of many beneficial organisms, while their residues in food and water pose a global threat to humans. The consequences of the application of large quantities of pesticides have resulted in the banning of many highly toxic compounds. In search for more environmentally friendly solutions, essential oils are being investigated. Essential oils have been used for centuries in folk medicine and today show great potential in controlling a wide range of pathogens, pests and parasites. The family Lamiaceae is one of the most important plant families in the production of essential oils. The aim of this study was to investigate the nematicidal effect of essential oils of some plants of the family Lamiaceae on free-living nematodes of the genus Panagrolaimus. A low nematicidal effect was shown by pachouli, while moderate nematicidal effects performed wild mint, wild sage, lavender, oregano, thyme and basil. The lemon balm essential oil had the strongest nematicidal impact. The aldehyde and phenolic components of terpenoids are the main constituents of the essential oils of thyme, basil and lemon balm which have shown the strongest nematicidal action and the chemicals potentially responsible for their toxicity.