Studies on the nematicidal activity of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on plant parasitic nematodes

The effect and the potential application of stinging nettle exudates in controlling plant nematodes were investigated. The effect of root exudates of the stinging nettle interplanted with tomato and bean and its potential application as green manure for reducing the population of plant nematodes were also investigated. The results showed that the counts of the nematodes in the base of stinging nettle were significantly lower than those in the 2 m radius from the plant. Comparison of mean counts of the nematodes showed a differential controlling effect of stinging nettle exudates on the nematodes. The counts of the nematodes in pots pre-sown with stinging nettle were reduced, while in pots planted with tomato plants the reductions were significantly lower. The application of stinging nettle as green manure in nematode-infected pots planted with tomato/bean caused significant reductions in the counts of the nematodes.