Nematicldal princlple from the funicles of Acacia auriculiformis

The crude alcoholic extract of the funicles of Acacia auriculiformis killed 55% Meloidgyne incognita jveniles in 80 min at 4 mg/ml concentration. The nematicidal principle isolated from the funicles consisted of two saponins, acaciaside A and B which killed 62.5% juveniles in 80 min at 4 mg/ml concentration. Both the crude extract and the saponins, when applied by soil drench as well as foliar spray at 10 mg/ml and 4 mg/ml concentrations, respectively, reduced root galling and nematode population in the roots of cowpea (Vigna catjang). The treatments increased plant growth and Rhizobium nodule formation which were affected by nematode infestation of the roots. The test substances were water-soluble and systemic in action.