Phytonematoids are essential pests in most agricultural crops and are responsible for significant production losses and generating high costs for their control (Inomoto, 2016). Among the range of nematode species, the genus Meloidogyne stands out as one of the most damaging pathogens of cultivated plants. Due to the wide variety of hosts and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, sustainable nematode management is complicated (Tarini et al., 2020). Nematode infection in host roots begins with second-stage juveniles and can lead to the formation of galls due to hyperplasia (Lemes et al., 2022). The symptoms of phytonematode-induced diseases are often mistaken for nutritional deficiency; however, they cause alterations and damage to plant tissues, resulting in profound physiological changes, consequently hindering the absorption and transportation of water and nutrients (Inomoto, 2016; Silva; Inomoto, 2022). As a result, plants can show size inequality, symptoms such as chlorosis and wiltingand a reduction in productivity.

Gall nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are an essential group of phytopathogensand their control is fundamental to the profitability of agricultural production (Azlay et al., 2023). They are obligate parasitesand prolonged periods without host plants can lead to their disappearance in the area. However, they often survive on infesting hosts in the absence of susceptible crops. The most commonly occurring species in Brazil are M. incognita and M. javanica. Although these species have a sedentary life habit, their multiplication and permanence in the soil make management very difficult, as there are different susceptibility reactions between lettuce cultivars, which can reach 9604 eggs per gram of root in susceptible cultivars (Pinheiro et al., 2020). Most species of the Meloidogyne genus survive best in regions with soil temperatures above 28°C, but M. incognita and M. javanica are cosmopolitan and well-adapted to Brazil’s different climatic conditions (Oliveira et al., 2024).

The occurrence of nematodes in productive areas represents a challenge for production, especially in horticultural crops (Lopes et al., 2021). Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), considered Brazil’s most consumed leafy vegetable, has a short cycle, allowing the area to be used for several crop cycles. Due to the current agricultural model, based on the monoculture of susceptible crops, phytosanitary problems have intensified, often making areas unviable. As demonstrated by Rabello et al. (2021), the successive cultivation of lettuce in regions infested by M. javanica becomes unviable from the second cycle of the crop onwards. Likewise, pest control methods must not be harmful to the crop.

There is currently no way of eradicating nematodes, only management methods, which face limitations. Chemical control of nematodes has been the most widely used method over time. Still, concerns about the environment and human health have stimulated the development of alternative control strategies, which include cultural practices, stimulation or introduction of antagonistic organisms, their metabolites, or bioactive compounds (Azlay et al., 2023)and using plant extracts to control pathogens that cause plant diseases, including nematodes (Neves et al., 2021).

In the search for more sustainable and efficient extraction techniques, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) has emerged as a green technology capable of improving the recovery of bioactive compounds from plant matrices. This method uses acoustic cavitation to rupture cell walls, enhancing solvent penetration and compound release, while significantly reducing solvent consumption, energy demandand extraction time (Chemat et al., 2017). Compared with conventional techniques such as maceration and Soxhlet extraction, UAE is recognized for its high efficiency, reproducibilityand environmental safety, aligning with the principles of green chemistry and sustainable production of bioinputs.

Antagonistic plants can affect the nematode population by preventing penetration and interfering with the development of these parasites, as they contain nematicidal/nematostatic compounds in their tissues and exudates (Balah et al., 2019). They are used as plant extracts or essential oils, applied to the leaf area of plants or specific parts and incorporated into the soil, among other ways. Recent studies with extracts of Vassobia breviflora (Solanaceae) have demonstrated the presence of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antibacterialand cytotoxic activities, reinforcing the potential of plant-derived metabolites as alternative agents for pathogen control (Viana et al., 2022; Viana et al., 2025).

In recent decades, plants from the Meliaceae family have constantly attracted the scientific community’s attention, as they have substances with insecticidal properties, justifying the phytochemical interest of their natural constituents (Braga et al., 2020). The species with the greatest visibility within this family is Azadirachta indica (neem), known for being an excellent option in the biological control of pests and diseases (Muhammad et al., 2020). Based on the outstanding results seen with neem, other meliaceae have also attracted research interest, intending to find new species and releases with insecticidal activity (Sarkar et al., 2021).

Many studies have reported the biological and pharmacological activities of crude extracts and pure chemical constituents isolated from different parts of species of the Trichilia genus (Fatema et al., 2024). Among the activities of substances and/or extracts obtained from plants of the Trichilia genus are anti-food and insecticidal properties (Bogorni et al., 2005).

Trichilia claussenii, popularly known as Catiguá, belongs to the Meliaceae family and can be found in the Atlantic Forest and some regions of Brazil, such as the Pampa Biome (Muellner-Riehl et al., 2022). Its use as a bioinsecticide has already been tested and proven on agriculturally important pest species such as Spodoptera frugiperda (Baldin et al., 2020). The main bioactive compounds found in Trichilia species are limonoids, alkaloidsand flavonoids, which have insecticidal properties and can cause feeding inhibition, direct toxicityand repellency of agricultural pests (Passos et al., 2021). These bioactive compounds can be an alternative to synthetic insecticides, offering a more sustainable alternative in the agricultural bio-input market (Fan et al., 2022). However, using Trichilia extract in nematode control is a promising approach for sustainable agricultureand scientific information on this subject is scarce.

For the above, this study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effect of the aqueous extract of Trichilia claussenii on the hatching of Meloidogyne javanica eggs and the influence of the plant extract on the development of healthy, uninoculated lettuce plants. The relevance of this work lies in providing innovative and sustainable alternatives for nematode management, particularly in horticultural crops such as lettuce, which are highly vulnerable to infestations and suffer significant productivity losses. By exploring the potential of T. claussenii as a source of bioactive compounds with nematicidal activity, this research contributes to expanding the portfolio of plant-based bioinputs and supports the transition toward more sustainable agricultural systems, reducing dependence on synthetic nematicides and aligning with the global demand for safer and environmentally friendly practices.

2.1 Obtaining the aqueous extract of Trichilia claussenii

Samples of T. claussenii were collected in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The samples were then dried in an oven at 50ºC for 48 hours. The fruits and leaves of Trichilia claussenii were then separated and crushed. The aqueous extract was obtained through ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), using a 400 W high-intensity ultrasound processor with a frequency of 24 kHz (Hielscher, model UP 400S, Germany) equipped with a probe (Model H22, Tip 22). Extractions were carried out using approximately 50 g of biomass (leaves and fruit) and 500 mL of solvent (H2O distilled water). The extraction time was set at 10 min. After the extractions, the samples were subjected to vacuum filtration. The crude extract was diluted in distilled and sterilized water to obtain different concentrations: 0% (control), 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%, giving six treatments.

2.2 Composition analysis of aqueous extract of Trichilia claussenii

Gas chromatography analyses were conducted using a GC-2010 Plus gas chromatograph (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) coupled to a GCMS-QP2010 Ultra mass spectrometer (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) equipped with an automatic AOC-20is series injector (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). The chromatographic separation was achieved using an Rtx®-5ms GC column (30m x 0.25mm, 0.25μm film thickness) composed of 5% diphenyl and 95% dimethyl polysiloxane (Restek Corporation, Bellefonte, PA, USA). Helium was used as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 1.20 mL.min-1. The injector temperature was consistently maintained at 250°C. Volatile compounds were injected in splitless mode. The initial oven temperature was set at 40°C for 1 minute, then increased to 90°C at a rate of 1°C.min-1, followed by an increase to 140°C at a rate of 2°C.min-1and finally to 250°C at a rate of 40°C.min-1, where it was held for 17.25 minutes. Both the interface and ion source temperatures were maintained at 250°C. Mass spectra were acquired over the m/z range of 50–550 amu with a scan rate of 0.30 scans. s-1. Volatiles were identified using a single quadrupole mass spectrometer in electron impact (EI) mode at 70 eV in scan acquisition mode. Individual components were identified by matching their mass fragmentation patterns with those in the Wiley Registry of Mass Spectral Data (Palisade Corporation, Newfield, NY). Only compounds with a mass spectral matching score greater than 80% were considered for further analysis.

2.3 Obtaining and multiplying Meloidogyne javanica inoculum

Due to the high susceptibility of some tomato cultivars (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to gall nematodes, research institutions use these plants in greenhouse conditions to maintain and/or multiply populations or collections of gall nematodes for studies (Pinheiro et al., 2014). On this basis, the gall nematode inoculum was maintained on tomato plants (Solunum lycopersicon cv. Gaúcho). After this period, the eggs were extracted according to the methodology described by Bonetti & Ferraz (1981). To do this, the tomato roots were washed in running water to remove the adhered soil, then chopped into 1-2 cm pieces and ground in a blender with a 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaCl) solution for approximately 30 seconds. The material was then passed through a set of sieves. The material collected on the 500-mesh sieve was added to tubes and centrifuged for 5 minutes at 1750 rpm with caulin. The supernatant was discardedand sucrose solution was added to the tubes, which were centrifuged again for 1 minute at 1750 rpm. At the end of the centrifugation process, the egg suspension was passed through a 500-mesh sieve, where the eggs were retained and collected with the aid of a pissette in a beaker.

2.4 Effect of aqueous extract of Trichilia claussenii on the hatching of J2 of Meloidogyne javanica

To conduct the hatching test, suspensions containing 10 μl of M. javanica eggs were placed in microtiter plate wells (Elisa type), along with the respective extract concentration of each treatment, 0, 2μl, 4μl, 6μl, 8μl and 10μland distilled water to complete 100 μl in each well. After adding the components to the wells, the eggs and larvae present in each well were counted. The plates were sealed with aluminum foil and placed in a BOD at 28ºC. After 5 days of incubation, evaluations were carried out under a stereoscopic microscope, where the J2 stage (hatched larvae) was counted to determine the percentage of hatched juveniles.

The compounds identified in the extracts are presented in Tables 1 and 2. A total of 41 and 29 compounds were extracted from the leaves and fruits of Trichilia claussenii, which are predominantly divided into the classes of phenols, terpenes, sterols, estersand carboxylic acids (Figure 1). Water can dissolve polar compounds, so phenols were mainly extracted from these botanical parts (leaves and fruits) using UAE.

Table 1 – Compounds identified in the leaf extract of Trichilia claussenii

Source: Authors (2026)

Table 2 – Compounds identified in the fruit extract of Trichilia claussenii

Source: Author’s (2026)

Figure 1 – Classes of compounds identified in the extracts of Trichilia claussenii

Source: Author’s (2026)

Based on the data obtained using Pearson’s correlation test (Table 3), the Trichilia claussenii extract concentration (CONC) variable shows significant positive interaction with agronomic efficiency on juvenile hatching (EC). On the other hand, the correlation is negative with the variables green plant mass (MV) and plant length (COMP).

Using the average data of hatched juveniles, a regression was generated according to Figure 2. It shows a linear trend in agronomic efficiency as the doses increase, reaching an efficacy of more than 60% with a concentration of 4% extract. Figure 2 shows that the 8% and 10% concentrations of T. claussenii were 80% effective, with no significant difference between the doses in terms of effectiveness in hatching juveniles of Meloidogyne javanica.

Table 3 – Pearson’s correlation for the variables concentration of Trichilia claussenii extract (CONC), green mass of lettuce plants (MV), length of lettuce plants (COMP)and agronomic efficiency on egg hatching (EC)

**: Significant at 1% probability by t-test; * Significant at 5% probability by t-test.

Source: Author’s 2026

Figure 2 – Agronomic efficiency of Trichilia claussenii extract at concentrations of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8and 10% on the hatching of Meloidogyne javanica juveniles after five days of incubation

*Significant to the F test (P < 0.05; standard error = 12.8).

**Agronomic efficiency values as proposed by Abbott (1925), where AE = (T - t) x 100 / T, where “T” is the number of live juveniles in the controland “t” is the number of live juveniles in the treatment

Source: Author’s 2026

Figure 3 shows a negative influence on the initial development of lettuce seedlings with increasing concentrations of Trichilia claussenii extract. Although the increase in extract concentration has a negative effect on the lettuce, the damage is compensated for by the reduction in the nematode population.

Figure 3 – Influence of Trichilia claussenii extract at concentrations of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8and 10% on the variables of length and green mass in lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa), cv. Rainha de Maio grown in pots

*Significant to F test (P < 0.05; standard error = 0.44 and 0.01 for plant length and green mass, respectively)

Biosynthesis processes in plants produce secondary metabolites, such as the ones above in the extracts obtained by UAE. In a review study, species of the genus Trichilia with a high relative frequency indicate the presence of secondary metabolites of the terpenoid metabolic pathway and mevalonic-acid and malonic-acid pathways. Among the metabolites in Trichilia, highly oxygenated triterpenes were observed with a remarkable frequency. Phytochemical studies of the genus Trichilia have allowed the isolation and identification of 334 compounds belonging to the following classes: monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes, steroids, limonoids, flavonoids, coumarinsand glycosylated lignans. Overall, Trichilia displays antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, insecticidaland cytotoxic activities (Fatema et al., 2024).

Only a few studies have been developed elsewhere with Trichilia for nematode control. For example, when comparing the extracts of the species from the Meliaceae family, Trichilia claussenii showed higher anti-parasite potential in vitro than Melia azedarach. Trichilia claussenii extract presented an LC50 of 263.8 µg/mL and a LC99 of 522.5 µg/mL in the egg hatch testand LC50 of 1.1 µg/mL and LC99 of 26.4 µg/mL in the larval development test (Cala et al. 2012). Aqueous extracts with concentration of 100 µg/mL of leaves and fruits from Trichilia sp. were tested on eggs and in the larval development test on Haemonchus contortus. The number of eggs reduced by a half when using the extracts if compared to negative control (only water) (Cunha et al. 2014).

However, no study was found that reported the control of Meloidogyne javanica with aqueous extract of Trichilia claussenii. Elsewhere, some compounds identified in the extracts have important bioactivities for other examples of biological control. For example, quinic acid was also identified in the extracts obtained from fruits of Solanum viarum. The extracts presented 62.02 ± 0.11 and 77.05 ± 0.15% inhibition of mycelial growth of Fusarium graminearum and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, respectively (Confortin et al. 2024). The major compound found in extracts from leaves of Lupinus albescens was stigmasterol. Aqueous extracts at a concentration of 5 g/L presented 60.5 ± 0.2 and 57.2 ± 0.1% inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium verticillioides (Confortin et al. 2019).

Monoterpenes exhibited potent acaricidal activity against two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch). The use of natural products may be considered an important alternative acaricide to control Tetranychus urticae, since they constitute a rich source of bioactive compounds that are biodegradable, non-toxicand potentially suitable for use as pesticide (Cavalcanti et al. 2010). Screening of 55 plant extracts against second stage juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita was conducted. The extracts were obtained from leaves, stemsand roots of 20 native Yucatecan plants, of which 13 species were characterized as endemic. Results showed that Eugenia winzerlingii leaf extract induced at 300 ppm mortalities of 77% and 84% after 48 and 72 h, respectively. Also, extracts from leaves of Trichilia arborea C. DC. induced at 250 and 500 ppm mortalities of 13 and 85% after 72 h, respectively (Cristóbal-Alejo et al. 2006).

The average data of hatched juveniles indicates a linear trend in agronomic efficiency as the doses increase. This corroborates Baldin et al. (2020) in a test with Trichilia pallida to control the insect Bemisia tabaci, who observed that the 3% concentration showed 100% mortality one day after application.

The bioactives present in the Trichilia plant extract may have interfered directly with the nematodes through direct toxicity, causing disturbances in biological functions (Atolani et al. 2020). In addition, the extract used in the experiment may have reduced hatching by causing hormonal changes during the ecdysis process in larval development, as observed by Bogorni et al. (2005) in Spodoptera frugiperda caterpillars. Cruz-Estrada et al. (2013), using an aqueous extract of Trichilia arborea, observed high mortality in Bemisia tabaci eggs at a concentration of 3%, which supports that species belonging to the Meliaceae family have high insecticidal activity. In addition, Trichilia arborea has also been shown to be active against plant pathogens such as the nematode Meloidogyne incognita, with 100% mortality of J2 at a concentration of 500ppm (Cristóbal-Alejo, 2006).

Despite the negative effect of increasing the concentration of the extract on lettuce, the reduction in the nematode population compensates for the damage. Peixoto et al. (2011) showed that initial inoculums of 2000, 4000 and 6000 nematode eggs and J2 reduced the commercial production of lettuce by 3.04%, 12.13% and 11.61%, respectively. Belan et al. (2011) state that the leaf expansion of young cherry tomato plants is negatively affected by an increase in the initial inoculum of M. javanica.

Extracts from other plants can also compromise the initial development of lettuce. For example, Vargas et al. (2019) observed the phytotoxic effect of Tocoyena formosa and Rudgea viburnoides extracts on lettuce roots in initial growth. Similarly, allelopathy is a naturally occurring phenomenon in which allelopathic plants suppress the growth or fitness of neighboring plants. Soln et al. (2021) state that allelopathic compounds interfere with cell division, membrane permeability and enzyme activation in plant rootlets.

Subedi et al. (2020) state that chemical and biological agents have moderate control over Meloidogyne incognita. It is therefore necessary to carry out integrated management by looking for methods and products that maintain or reduce the population of soil nematodes. Control is challenging, with El-Marzoky et al. (2022) demonstrating the need to use 500 ppm of abamectin in the treatment of cucumber seeds to control Meloidogyne incognitaand the best results in terms of control and development of tomato plants grown in the presence of M. incognita were observed when combining chemical and biological treatment (El-Ashry et al. 2021). Therefore, this work contributes to the knowledge gap on the use of Trichilia species in the control of the nematode Meloidogyne javanica.

The ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) protocol adopted in this study proved to be efficient in obtaining bioactive fractions from Trichilia claussenii. Compared with conventional extraction methods such as maceration or Soxhlet, UAE offers significant advantages, including shorter extraction time, lower solvent consumptionand enhanced recovery of thermolabile compounds (Chemat et al., 2017). These characteristics make UAE an environmentally friendly and reproducible technique suitable for the development of plant-based bioinputs. Moreover, the reproducibility and scalability of this protocol facilitate its potential use in future formulation and field trials, reducing the time and energy required for extract preparation without compromising biological activity.

Aqueous extracts of Trichilia claussenii contain phenolic- and terpenoid-rich fractions capable of suppressing Meloidogyne javanica egg hatching in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Concentrations ≥4% achieved >60% inhibition of J2 hatchingand 8–10% reached ≈80% efficacy.

There is a linear increase in the agronomic efficiency of the aqueous extract of Trichilia claussenii on nematode hatching as the concentration increases;

Field deployment should target the lowest effective dose (≈4%) to balance nematode suppression with minimal phytotoxicity; higher doses may be reserved for pre-plant or non-crop windows.

The aqueous extract of Trichilia claussenii can complement integrated nematode management (resistant cultivars, rotations, organic amendmentsand biocontrol agents), reducing reliance on synthetic nematicides.;

Abbott, W. S. (1925). A method of computing the effectiveness of an insecticide. Journal of Economic Entomology, 18(2), 265–267.

Atolani, O., & Fabiyi, O. A. (2020). Plant parasitic nematodes management through natural products: Current progress and challenges. In R. Ansari, R. Rizvi, & I. Mahmood (Eds.), Management of phytonematodes: Recent advances and future challenges. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-4087-5_13

Azlay, L., El-Boukhari, M., Mayad, E., & Barakate, M. (2023). Biological management of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.): A review. Organic Agriculture, 13, 99–117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13165-022-00417-y

Balah, M. A., & Abdelrazel, G. M. (2019). Pesticidal activity of Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. leaves against nematodes and perennial weeds. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 40(5), 373–379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chnaes.2019.07.001

Baldin, E. L. L., Schlick-Souza, E. C., Soares, M. C. E., Lopes, N. P., Lopes, J. L. C., Bogorni, P. C., & Vendramim, J. D. (2020). Insecticidal and inhibitory effects of Meliaceae and Asteraceae extracts to silverleaf whitefly. Horticultura Brasileira, 38(3), 280–287. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-053620200307

Belan, L. L., Alves, F. R., & Jesus Junior, W. C. (2011). Redução da taxa de expansão foliar de tomateiros parasitados por Meloidogyne javanica. Nucleus, 8(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3738/1982.2278.636

Bogorni, P. C., & Vendramim, J. D. (2005). Efeito subletal de extratos aquosos de Trichilia spp. sobre o desenvolvimento de Spodoptera frugiperda. Neotropical Entomology, 34(2), 311–317. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1519-566X2005000200020

Bonetti, J. I. S., & Ferraz, S. (1981). Modificações do método de Hussey & Barker para extração de ovos de Meloidogyne exigua. Fitopatologia Brasileira, 6(3), 553.

Braga, T. M., Rocha, L., Chung, T. Y., Oliveira, R. F., Pinho, C., Oliveira, A. I., Morgado, J., & Cruz, A. (2020). Biological activities of gedunin: A limonoid from the Meliaceae family. Molecules, 25(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25030493

Cala, A. C., Chagas, A. C. S., Oliveira, M. C. S., Matos, A. P., Borges, L. M. F., Sousa, L. A. D., Souza, F. A., & Oliveira, G. P. (2012). In vitro anthelmintic effect of Melia azedarach L. and Trichilia claussenii. Experimental Parasitology, 130(2), 98–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exppara.2011.12.011

Chemat, F., Rombaut, N., Sicaire, A. G., Meullemiestre, A., Fabiano-Tixier, A. S., & Abert-Vian, M. (2017). Ultrasound assisted extraction of food and natural products. Ultrasonics Sonochemistry, 34, 540–560. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ultsonch.2016.06.035

Confortin, T. C., Todero, I., Luft, L., Schmaltz, S., Wancura, J. H. C., dos Santos, M. S. N., Brun, T., Mazutti, M. A., Zabot, G. L., Draszewski, C. P., Abaide, E. R., & Tres, M. V. (2024). Extracts of Senecio brasiliensis and Solanum viarum. Processes, 12(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12061208

Confortin, T. C., Todero, I., Soares, J. F., Luft, L., Brun, T., Rabuske, J. E., Nogueira, C. U., Mazutti, M. A., Zabot, G. L., & Tres, M. V. (2019). Extracts from Lupinus albescens. Environmental Technology, 40(13), 1668–1675. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593330.2018.1427800

Cristóbal-Alejo, J., Tun-Suárez, J. M., Moguel-Catzín, S., Marbán-Mendoza, N., Medina-Baizabal, L., Simá-Polanco, P., Peraza-Sánchez, S. R., & Gamboa-Angulo, M. M. (2006). In vitro sensitivity of Meloidogyne incognita. Nematropica, 36(1), 89–97.

Cruz-Estrada, A., Gamboa-Angulo, M., Borges-Argáez, R., & Ruiz-Sánchez, E. (2013). Insecticidal effects of plant extracts on Bemisia tabaci. Electronic Journal of Biotechnology, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.2225/vol16-issue1-fulltext-6

Cunha, M. P. V., Alves Neto, A. F., Suffredini, I. B., & Abel, L. J. C. (2014). Evaluation of the anti-helminthic activity of crude extracts from the Brazilian Amazon and Mata Atlântica plants against Haemonchus contortus. Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, 66(2), 374–380. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-41626313

El-Ashry, R. M., Ali, M. A. S., Elsobki, A. E. A., & Aioub, A. A. A. (2021). Integrated management of Meloidogyne incognita on tomato using combinations of abamectin, Purpureocillium lilacinum, rhizobacteria and botanicals compared with nematicide. Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control, 31, 93. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41938-021-00438-x

El-Marzoky, A. M., Abdel-Hafez, S. H., Sayed, S., Salem, H. M., El-Tahane, A. M., & El-Saadony, M. T. (2022). The effect of abamectin seed treatment on plant growth and infection of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 29(2), 970–974. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.10.006

Fan, W., Fan, L., Wang, Z., & Yang, L. (2022). Limonoids from the genus Melia (Meliaceae): Phytochemistry, synthesis, bioactivities, pharmacokinetics and toxicology. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.795565

Fatema, T. Z., Joya, I. S., Bhuiyan, M. A., Hasan, C. M., & Ahsan, M. (2024). Review on phytochemical constituents of the genus Trichilia and biological activities. Trends in Immunotherapy, 8(1), 1–45. https://doi.org/10.24294/ti.v8.i1.2434

Inomoto, M. M. (2016). Manejo cultural de nematoides. In Nematoides fitoparasitas do algodoeiro nos cerrados brasileiros: Biologia e medidas de controle (pp. 257–286). IMAmt.

Lemes, C. F. C., Chiomento, J. L. T., Deuner, C. C., & Scheffer-Basso, S. M. (2022). Screening of the hatching control of root-knot nematodes using extract concentrations from oat genotypes. Scientia Agricola, 79(6). https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992X-2021-0027

Lopes, D. C., Ponce, F. S., Casagrande, J. G., Ferreira, T. R., Toledo, C. A. L., Dallacort, R., & Seabra Júnior, S. (2021). Controle cultural de nematoides em alface utilizando cobertura de solo e consórcio com cravo-de-defunto. Revista Ibero-Americana de Ciências Ambientais, 12(12), 53–63. https://doi.org/10.6008/CBPC2179-6858.2021.012.0006

Muellner-Riehl, A., & Rojas-Andrés, B. M. (2022). Biogeography of Neotropical Meliaceae: Geological connections, fossil and molecular evidence revisited. Brazilian Journal of Botany, 45, 527–543. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40415-021-00770-4

Muhammad, A., & Kashere, M. A. (2020). Neem, Azadirachta indica L.: An eco-friendly botanical insecticide for managing farmers’ insect pest problems. Journal of Sciences, 4(4), 484–491. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2020-0404-506

Neves, W. S., Lopes, E. A., & Ferreira, P. A. (2021). Uso de produtos e extratos vegetais no controle de nematoides. In M. Venzon et al. (Eds.), Controle alternativo de pragas e doenças: opção ou necessidade. EPAMIG.

Oliveira, J. O., Silva, R. V., Gondim, J. P., Furtado, J. P., Castro, B. M., & Zanuncio, J. C. (2024). Meloidogyne incognita and Meloidogyne javanica: First report parasitizing cassava in Goiás State, Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Biology, 84. https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.254037

Passos, M. S., Nogueira, T. S., Azevedo, A. O., Vieira, M. G., Terra, W. S., Braz-Filho, R., & Vieira, I. J. (2021). Limonoids from the genus Trichilia and biological activities. Phytochemistry Reviews, 20, 1055–1086. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-020-09737-x

Peixoto, L., Alves, F., Moraes, W., & Belan, L. (2011). Quantificação de danos em alface causada por diferentes níveis de Meloidogyne incognita. Enciclopédia Biosfera, 7(12), 1–12.

Pinheiro, J. B., Pereira, R. B., & Suinaga, F. A. (2014). Manejo de nematoides na cultura do tomate. EMBRAPA.

Pinheiro, J. B., Silva, G. O., Biscaia, D., Macedo, A. G., & Suinaga, F. A. (2020). Characterization of lettuce genotypes for resistance to root-knot nematodes. Horticultura Brasileira, 38(3), 239–245. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0102-053620200301

Rabello, L. K. C., Gonçalves, Â. O., Cruz, T. P., Zinger, F. D., Jesus Júnior, W. C., Rodrigues, L. L., Souza, A. F., Moraes, W. B., & Alves, F. R. (2021). Quantification of damage and yield losses caused by root-knot nematode in lettuce in Brazil. Idesia, 39(2), 121–130.

Sarkar, S., Singh, R., & Bhattacharya, G. (2021). Exploring the role of Azadirachta indica and its active compounds in the regulation of biological pathways. 3Biotech, 11, 178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13205-021-02745-4

Silva, A. M. G. B., & Inomoto, M. M. (2022). Reação de espécies de maracujá a Rotylenchulus reniformis e Meloidogyne incognita. Revista Brasileira de Fruticultura, 44(4). https://doi.org/10.1590/0100-29452022923

Soln, K., & Koce, J. D. (2021). Allelopathic root inhibition and its mechanisms. Allelopathy Journal, 52(2), 181–198. https://doi.org/10.26651/allelo.j/2021-52-2-1315

Subedi, S., Thapa, B., & Shrestha, J. (2020). Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and its management. Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 3(2), 21–31. https://doi.org/10.3126/janr.v3i2.32298

Tarini, G., Melo, A. S., Fontana, L. F., Silva Júnior, E., Bolanho, B. C., Moreno, B. P., Sarragiotto, M. H., & Dias-Arieira, C. R. (2020). Aqueous Crambe abyssinica seed cake extracts. Industrial Crops and Products, 156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112860

Vargas, S. H., Coelho, M. F. B., Cowo, E. S., Orrillo, H. M., & Spiller, C. (2019). Phytotoxic potential of aqueous leaf extract of Tocoyena formosa and Rudgea viburnoides. Revista Ceres, 66(5), 380–386. https://doi.org/10.1590/0034-737X201966050007

Viana, A. R., Noro, B. G., Santos, D., Wolf, K., Neves, Y. S., Moresco, R. N., Ourique, A. F., Flores, E. M. M., Rhoden, C. R. B., Krause, L. M. F., & Vizzotto, B. S. (2022). Detection of new phytochemical compounds from Vassobia breviflora. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 86(2–3), 51–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/15287394.2022.2156956

Viana, A. R., Aytar, E. C., Pippi, N., Santos, D., Rhoden, C. R. B., Vizzotto, B. S., Flores, E. M. M., Schuch, A. P., & Krause, L. M. F. (2025). Chemical composition and activity of Vassobia breviflora methanolic extract. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A, 88(11), 463–478. https://doi.org/10.1080/15287394.2025.2453858

Authorship contributions

1 – Géssica Milani Diesel

Agricultural Engineer from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology Farroupilha (IFFar)

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4838-3178 • gessica100200@gmail.com

Contribution: Conceptualization, Investigation, Methodology, Writing – original draft

2 – Augusto Somavilla

Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology Farroupilha

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4729-876X • somavillaaugusto@gmail.com

Contribution: Investigation, Methodology, Writing – original draft

3 – Julia da Silva Parcianello

Agricultural Engineer from the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology Farroupilha

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8750-9185 • parcianello.julia@gmail.com

Contribution: Conceptualization, Investigation, Methodology

4 – Lissara Polano Ody

Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Federal University of Santa Maria

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2192-0239 • lissaraody@yahoo.com.br

Contribution: Conceptualization, Investigation, Methodology

5 – Gustavo Andrade Ugalde

Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Federal University of Santa Maria

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6626-2781 • gustavo.ugalde@ufsm.br

Contribution: Investigation, Methodology

6 – Marcus Vinícius Tres

PhD in Food Engineering from the Integrated Regional University of Alto Uruguai and Missões

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5252-0735 • marcus.tres@ufsm.br

Contribution: Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing – review & editing

7 – Giovani Leone Zabot

PhD in Food Engineering from the State University of Campinas

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7933-6161 • giovani.zabot@ufsm.br

Contribution: Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing – review & editing

8 – Cleudson José Michelon

PhD in Soil Science from the Federal University of Santa Maria

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3823-8797 • cleudson.michelon@iffarroupilha.edu.br

Contribution: Writing – review & editing

9 – Emanuele Junges

PhD in Agronomy from the Federal University of Santa Maria

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2613-8625 • emanuele.junges@iffarroupilha.edu.br

Contribution: Conceptualization, Supervision, Writing – review & editing

How to quote this article

Diesel, G. M., Somavilla, A., Parcianello, J. S., Ody, L. P., Ugalde, G. A., Tres, M. V., Zabot, G. L., Michelon, C. J., & Junges, E. (2026). Control of Meloidogyne javanica with aqueous extract of Trichilia claussenii. Ciência e Natura, 48, e89957. DOI: 10.5902/2179460X89957 Available in: https://doi.org/10.5902/2179460X89957