Journal of Open Science Publications

Plant Science & Research

Volume 3, Issue 1 - 2016

© Nduka AD 2016
www.opensciencepublications.com

Effect of Leaf Powder Treatment on Root-Knot

Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and Proximate
Composition of Yam Tubers; Implication on Food
Security
Research article
Aghale, Duke Nduka1*, Umeh, Ogechi Jubilant2, Anyim, Alozie3
Michael Okpara University ofAgriculture, Umudike, Nigeria
1,2

Abia State Ministry of Agriculture, Umuahia, Nigeria

3

*Corresponding author: Aghale, Duke Nduka, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, Tel No:
08134005735; E-mail: [email protected]
Copyright: © 2016 Nduka AD et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Article Information: Submission: 11/02/2016; Accepted: 08/03/2016; Published: 15/03/2016

Abstract
Farmers face several challenges in yam production occasioned by incidents of pest and pathogens among which are nematodes, termites, beetles. The
effect of leaf powder of five plants, Ocimum basilicum L. (Basil plant), Vernonia amygdalina.L., (bitter leaf) Azadirachta indica L. (neem) Moringa oleifera
Lam. (horseradish) and Piper nigrum Schum and Thonn (bush pepper), were assessed for their effect on root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita
in yam and their influence on tuber proximate composition. The trial was conducted in Abia State, Nigeria laid out in completely randomized design,
replicated three times. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results indicate that carbohydrate
content increased by 10.4% in Basil plant, 21.4% in Bitter leaf, 8.1% in Neem, 11.1% in horseradish and 12.8% in Bush pepper treated yam tubers at
0.01t/ha when compared to the control. The protein composition increase was not significant (P > 0.05). Application of leaf powder at 0.01t/ha before
planting and during tuber initiation suppressed root knot nematode population and consequently, improved growth and yield of yam, improved the dietary
value of the yam tubers which has the potentials for enhanced nutrition and food security of the Nigerian citizens and it is therefore recommended for wide
spread farmers’ awareness and adoption.
Keywords: Nutritive values; Yam tubers; Meloidogyne incognita; Plant leaf powder; Awareness; Adoption

Introduction 2008 [2] but consumes the entire product in the domestic market.
Ghana which is the second largest world producer with 6.9 metric
Dioscorea species are consumed widely as staples in West Africa, tons in 2008 is the highest exporter of the product [3].
Central Africa and the Caribbean [1]. Dioscorea rotundata is a major
staple food in Africa with Benin Republic (346 calorie) as highest Yams occupy the largest area in the production per hectare after
consumer followed by Cote d Ivoire (342calorie), Ghana (296 calorie) cassava. Yam is used as food as well as industrial raw material like
and Nigeria (258 calorie) daily respectively [1]. Ninety eight percent other root crops, such as sweet potato and cassava thus mounting
of the world’s yam production is in Africa and West Africa accounts pressure on yam as the most important staple which is needed to
for 90 - 95 % of the total world production. Nigeria is the largest be reposition as a food security crop [4]. Yams are major source of
producer of the crop, producing about 33.57 million metric tons in relatively cheaper caloric energy as starchy food that contains other

01 ISSN: 2349-2805
JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCE & RESEARCH Nduka AD

useful nutrients. They are excellent source of carbohydrate and also Neem, Horseradish and bush pepper. Healthy leaves of these plants
relatively nutritious, providing some vitamins, minerals and dietary were harvested and spread separately on polythene sheets raised on
protein [5]. Yams play a significant role in the socio-cultural traditions a platform in the laboratory for three weeks to air dry at 28-+2 oC.
of the producing areas, and are consumed in various food forms Air-dried leaves were ground separately to fine particles (powder) in
across those producing regions either as boiled, mashed, pounded, a domestic blender (model QBL-15L40) and applied at the rate of 5g
fried or roasted. per pot (0.01t/hectare).
Yams are affected by pests and pathogens among which are D. rotundata (cv.Obiaturugo), a hybrid (89/19158) which is well
nematodes, termites, beetles, etc [6]. The root-knot nematodes known to be susceptible to M. incognita was used for the study [6].
(Meloidogyne species), and other nematodes such as Scutellonema The size of yam sett used was 30 g. Prior to planting, the yam sets were
bradys, Pratylenchus species (lesion nematodes) have been identified treated with the different plant leaf powder at the rates of 0.01t/ha in
as the most economic pests of yam in Nigeria, which has resulted into a jute bag tied at the top end and shaken properly before air drying on
yield losses of 25-38% in major yam producing areas [7]. Onyenobi a raised platform. The sets were allowed for 24 hours for the powder
et al. noted that in most cases, nematode-infested yams in the field to adhere properly on the sets before planting into the plastic pots.
are without visible foliar symptoms and infestation by root-knot The yam sets were manually planted in 36 pots placed in open field
nematode on yam has contributed greatly into post-harvest bio- with one yam sett per pot. At 12th weeks after planting (WAP), the leaf
deterioration [8]. It was observed that early senescence occurs in powder was applied by ring method to the yam stands in the 30 pots
heavily infested minisett yam plant with galled yam tubers that rotted while the remaining six pots served as untreated controls. Earlier 10
completely in storage [8]. Aghale noted that nematode damage on WAP, the yam plants in 30 pots were inoculated with 5000-second
yam is an important factor which affects the tuber quality, resulting in stage pre-parasitic juvenile of M. incognita during tuber initiation
tuber yield reduction and general losses in the field and in storage [9]. when it is easy for the juveniles to penetrate the yam cortical cells
Meloidogyne species are group of plant-parasitic nematodes that have using a 10ml syringe while the other six untreated control pots were
been recognized as pests of worldwide concern, constituting a major not inoculated.
threat to world food production [7].
The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design
Several control measures such as cultural, biological, chemical and
with five treatments in three replicates. The eggs / juveniles that were
integrated control methods, have been used in reducing populations
used for the inoculation were cultured and extracted using Hussey
of the nematode in crop fields [9]. Synthetic nematicides are mostly
and Barker procedure [12]. Data were collected on sprouting at 4,
used to control yam nematodes. However, most of these nematicides
8 and 12 WAP. At 28 WAP the experiment was terminated and the
have been banned due to their carcinogenic effect on human lives and
following parameters were collected. Fresh tuber weight (g), proximate
on the environment. High cost of the nematicides has also precluded
composition of the harvested tubers on carbohydrate, protein, fiber,
resource-poor farmers from using them. The use of natural plant
ash, and fat using the gravimetric method of different laboratory
products has been considered as a way out of these chemical-related
analysis for the specific tests at Food/Biochemistry laboratory of
problems in yam production since some plants have been identified to
National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike [13]. Also, data on
possess nematicidal properties, which has been proven to be efficient
gall tuber formation was collected. The gall index (GI) were assessed
and easily accessible as seed dressing agents.
on a 0-5 scale 0 = no infection, 1 = 1- 20% of tuber galled, 2 = 21- 40%
Aghale et al. [10] reported the efficacy ofnine plants (Carica of tuber galled, 3 = 41-60% tuber galled, 4 = 61- 80% and 5 = 81-
papaya, Chromolaena odorata, Cymopogon citratus, Mangifera 100% of tuber galled. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of
indica, Ocimum basilicum, Vernonia amygdalina, Azairachta indica, variance (ANOVA). Significant means were separated using Duncan
Moringa oleifera, and Piper nigrum) which were promising even in low Multiple Range Test (DNMRT)
concentrations in controlling the root knot nematode (Meloidogyne
species) in yam production [10]. Aghale noted strong nematicidal Determination of protein
activity of some plant extracts on nematode infested yams. However, The proximate composition of the harvested yam tuber was
in South East Nigeria, there is little or no information on the efficacy done by the gravimetric method [13]. Yam flour obtained from
of bionematicidal materials on the levels of proximate content of harvested yam tubers in pots treated with Basil plant, Bitter leaf,
the edible part of yam, the tubers [11]. This informed the design of neem, Horseradish and Bush pepper were used for the proximate
the present investigation to determine the effect of the selected five composition study. To obtain the flour, the harvested tubers were
plant leaf powder on the control of root knot nematode (Meloidogyne peeled, chipped, dried and milled into flour. Five grams of flour was
species) and also on the proximate composition of yam tuber. mixed with 10 ml of concentrated H2SO4 in a digestion flask, and 1g
Material and Methods tablet of selenium was added to the mixture as the catalyst before
heating under a fume cupboard till a clear solution was obtained. The
The study was conducted on the experimental research field of digest was diluted with water to 100 ml in a volumetric flask and used
the Faculty of Agriculture, Abia State University, Nigeria, the Plant for the analysis. Ten ml of the digest was mixed with equal volume
Protection Laboratory and the Biochemistry Laboratory of National of 45 % NaOH solution in a distillation apparatus and was further
Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Nigeria. Five different types distilled into another 10 ml of 4 % boric acid with three drops of
of plants species used in the trials were collected from different parts mixed indicator (BromocressolGreen/Methylred). Fifty milliters of
of Umuahia in Abia state and these included Basil plant, Bitter leaf, the distillates was collected and titrated against 0.02N EDTA from

Citation: Nduka AD, Jubilant UO, Alozie A. Effect of Leaf Powder Treatment on Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and Proximate
02 Composition of Yam Tubers; Implication on Food Security. J Plant Sci Res. 2016;3(1): 144.
JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCE & RESEARCH Nduka AD

green to deep red end point. The protein content of each treated yam Table 1: Effect of five plant leaf powder on sprouting of yam setts at 4, 8, and
12 weeks after planting.
tuber was calculated using the formula (6).
Botanicals Week 4 Week 8 Week 12
% protein = % N2 x 6.25, N2 = (100 x N x 14 vt) T.B
O.basilicum 0.56 0.67 1.22
W x 1000 x va.
A.indica 0.44 0.78 1.44
W = weight of treated yam flour, N = normality of titrant (0.02N M.oleifera 0.33 0.67 1.22
H2SO4), Vt = total digest volume, Va = volume of digest analyzed, T =
P.nigrum 0.44 0.78 1.33
sample titrate value, B = blank titrate value.
V.amygdalina 0.44 0.78 1.44
Ash Determination
Control 0.56 0.78 1.44
Five grams of the yam flour obtained from harvested yam tubers Mean 0.46 0.74 1.35
in treated pots were measured into a previously weighed porcelain
LSD (0.05) ns ns ns
crucible and burnt to ashes in a muffle furnace at 550oC. Following
this the ash was cooled and the weight was determined by the Table 2: Effect of five plant leaf powder on yam tuber yield and gall formation.
differences in weight before and after burning to ash and expressed as
Weight of
percentage of the sample analyzed. Tuber No .of tubers No. of galled
tubers(gm)

Fiber Determination O.basilicum 1.50 0.23 0.00

A.indica 1.75 0.43 0.00

The fiber composition was determined by method described by
Arora, 1981 [14]. Five grams of the harvested yam tubers in treated M.oleifera 1. 5 0.11 0.50
pots were measured and boiled in 150 mL of 1.25 % H2SO4 solution P.nigrum 1.25 0.08 0.25
for 30 minutes and washed in hot water using a twofold muslin cloth V.amygdalina 1.75 0.28 0.00
to trap the particles. It was returned to the flask and boiled in 150
Control 1.50 0.28 1.75
mL of 1.25 % NaOH for 30 minutes. Washing in several portions of
hot water, the dust were allowed to drain dry before weighing in a LSD (0.05) ns ns 0.74

crucible where it was oven dried at 105oC to a constant weight. This

was further burnt in a muffle till only the ashes were left. The weight The effect of five plant leaf powder on yam tuber yield and gall
of the fiber was obtained and expressed as percentage of the weight of formation is given in table 2. A. indica and V. amygdalinarecorded
sample analyzed 90 [15-17]. the highest number of tubers (1.75) while the untreated control had
significant (P>0.05) number of mean galled tubers (1.75). This shows
Fat content Determination
that the botanicals used in the treatment of seed yams effectively
Five grams of the yam flour obtained from harvested yam tubers controlled the proliferation of galled tubers which is a visual means of
in treated pots were wrapped in filter paper and put in a thimble the presence of root-knot nematode on yam tubers. This indicates that
which was placed in soxlet reflux flak and mounted into a previously the use of some botanicals (Basil plant, Bitter leaf, neem, Horseradish
weighed extraction flask containing 200 mL of petrol ether. The upper and Bush pepper) in the production of root-knot free yam tubers
end of the flask was connected to a water condenser, while the contents could be a good local substitute to seed dressing with synthetic
were heated and vaporized. The vapour condensed into the reflux nematicides in yam production.
flask, and was converted into the solvent that extracted the oil (fat).
The proximate composition of the harvested yam tubers after
The oil extracts were oven dried at 60 oC for 30 minutes to remove
treatment is presented in Table 3. The protein composition of the
any residual solvent. This was further cooled in a desiccator and
yam tubers was not affected by the treatments as compared with the
weighed. The difference in the weight of oil extract was determined
untreated control. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) on
and expressed as a percentage weight of sampled yam flour.
the protein levels in all the treatments and the control. This was in
Carbohydrate Determination line with [9] who reported on the effect of botanicals on the protein
composition of food yam. There were significant differences (P < 0.05)
Total carbohydrate was calculated by the method described in
on the carbohydrate composition of the treated yam tubers when
AOAC [13]. This was done using the formula:
compared with the untreated control. V. amygdalina had the highest
Total carbohydrate = 100 - % protein + fat + fiber + ash + MC. level of carbohydrate (27.02 mg/100) followed by P. nigrum (25.12
mg/100) compared to the control which was the least. The application
Results and Discussion
of the leaf powder increased the carbohydrate level of the treated
Sprouting counts at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after planting was yams by 10.4%, 21.4%, 8.1%, 11.1 %, and 12.8% in Basil, Bitter leaf,
presented in Table 1. There was no statistical difference (P > 0.05) neem, Horseradish and Bush pepper, respectively when compared
between treatments and the control on sprouting. This implied that with control. The fat composition of the yam tubers indicated that O.
none of the plant leaf powder evaluated had adverse effect on the time basilicum (0.51 mg/100g) was significantly different (P < 0.05) from
the seed yams sprouted. V.amygdalina(0.44 mg/100g) and A. indica (0.41 mg/g). Besides, the
leaf powder of bitter leaf, neem, and horseradish increased the fat

Citation: Nduka AD, Jubilant UO, Alozie A. Effect of Leaf Powder Treatment on Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and Proximate
03 Composition of Yam Tubers; Implication on Food Security. J Plant Sci Res. 2016;3(1): 144.
JOURNAL OF PLANT SCIENCE & RESEARCH Nduka AD

Table 3: Proximate Composition (mg/100g) of yam tubers treated with five plant leaf powder.
O.V. A. M.
Mean
P. basilicum amygdalina indica oleifera nigrum Control LSD

Carbohydrate 24.57b 27.02a 24.06b 24.74b 25.12b 22.25c 24.62 1.27

Ns
Protein 4.90a 4.32a 4.27a 4.38a 5.25a 4.13a 4.54

0.15
Fiber 1.44b 1.38b 1.42b 1.50a 1.40b 1.60a 1.45

Ash 2.96a 2.74b 2.82b 2.45b 3.63a 3.33a 2.98 0.76

0.36 d
0.03
Fat 0.51a 0.44b 0.41b 0.38c 0.40c 0.41

In mean separation, a-highest, b-average and c- least significant respectively. Means followed by same letter(s) within a column do not differ at P≤ 0.05 using
Duncan Multiple Range Test (DNMRT).

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Citation: Nduka AD, Jubilant UO, Alozie A. Effect of Leaf Powder Treatment on Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and Proximate
04 Composition of Yam Tubers; Implication on Food Security. J Plant Sci Res. 2016;3(1): 144.