Evaluation of Prenylated Chalcones for Nematicidal Activity against Meloidogyne Incognita Infestation in Tomato

Two series of prenylated chalcones were synthesized and evaluated for their nematicidal potential against Meloidogyne incognita under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The in vitro nematicidal study revealed that the compound 2’-Hydroxy-3-bromo-5’-O-prenylchalcone (6F) was found most active against M. incognita, with LC₅₀ values of 17.2, 9.2 and 4.7 mgL^-1 after 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, followed by 2’-Hydroxy-3-chloro-5’-O-prenylchalcone (6D), 2’-Hydroxy-4-bromo-5’-O-prenylchalcone (6E), and 2’-Hydroxy-2,6-dichloro-5’-O-prenylchalcone (6B). The four compounds found most effective under in vitro nematicidal study, along with fluopyrum (Velum Prime 34.48% SC) were evaluated for nematicidal activity in pot cultured tomatoes. The compounds were undertaken for pot study at 3 different concentrations viz 1000, 500 and 250 mg L^-1, by soil drenching and root dipping methods. The in vivo study was carried out in net house condition during Kharif season 2023-24. The study revealed that all plant growth parameters were positively influenced by these compounds. The activity was higher in soil drenching compared to root dipping method.