First report of trunk rot caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fomitiporia torreyae</Emphasis> in Kyoto prefecture on cultivars of Japanese cedar with no relatedness to ‘Sanbu-sugi’

Trunk rot, caused by Fomitiporia torreyae, is one of the most economically important sap rot diseases on Cryptomeria japonica, especially on a cutting cultivar ‘Sanbu-sugi’. This disease had been reported only from Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures in Japan; however, a similar trunk rot on Japanese cedars was found recently in Kyoto prefecture. We identified the causal agent of the trunk rot on Japanese cedars in Kyoto prefecture, clarified the genotype of ‘Sanbu-sugi’ (sensu stricto) using microsatellite markers, and then investigated the relatedness of these infected cedars with ‘Sanbu-sugi’. The pathogen was identified as F. torreyae by its DNA sequences and morphological characteristics of the fruiting body. The 25 ramets of ‘Sanbu-sugi’ had only one genotype based on eight microsatellite loci. Infected Japanese cedars in Kyoto were comprised of different genotypes and showed no close relatedness to ‘Sanbu-sugi’. This is the first report of trunk rot caused by F. torreyae on cultivars of Japanese cedar with no relatedness to ‘Sanbu-sugi’ outside of Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures and showed the potential for expansion of this disease to Japanese cedar plantations in other areas.     

Analysis of floral scent emitted from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Syringa</Emphasis> plants

Syringa is an important aromatic woody angiosperm that is widely planted in gardens. Its dry flowers are traditionally used to manufacture infusions and spices in China. In this study, the floral volatiles emitted from nine different Syringa species and varieties, viz. S. chinensis, S. p rotolaciniata, S. o blata, S. o blata var. giraldii, S. o blata var. plena, S. v ulgaris ‘Mrs Harry Bickle’, S. v ulgaris ‘Bright Centennial’, S. v ulgaris ‘White Spires’, and S. v ulgaris ‘President Lincoln’ were collected by the dynamic headspace technique, and then identified by automated thermal desorption–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. There were significant differences in components and corresponding contents of floral scent emitted from the nine Syringa species and varieties. Among the detected components, β-ocimene exhibited the highest content, accounting for more than 70 % of the floral scent of S. p rotolaciniata, S. o blata var. giraldii, and S. v ulgaris ‘Bright Centennial’. A significant daytime variation of floral scent emitted from S. p ekinensis was recorded, especially for benzaldehyde, whose content first increased and then decreased. We studied the scent emitted from the in vitro flowers of S. v ulgaris ‘Pres Lincoln’ during the process of natural drying. Alcohol compounds were released in the greatest content, and the content of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol accounted for about 40 % of the total release amount. The results described the emission pattern and mechanisms of floral scent in Syringa.     

3个蓝靛果品种果实生物活性物质含量及抗氧化性的比较

为给蓝靛果种质资源收集、优良品种的选育、综合开发及利用提供参考,以蓝靛果栽培品种‘蓝鸟’‘蓓蕾’及野生蓝靛果为材料,比较3个蓝靛果品种果实生物活性成分的含量及抗氧化活性,利用生理生化实验方法,测定各品种成熟果实提取液中可滴定酸、类黄酮、总酚、花色苷含量,分析DPPH、FRAP、羟自由基(·OH)的清除能力。结果表明:‘蓝鸟’果实可滴定酸含量最多,其体积分数为2.49%;按照类黄酮、总酚及花色苷的含量由高到低排序,3个品种依次为‘蓓蕾’、野生、‘蓝鸟’。体外抗氧化活性评价结果显示,3个蓝靛果品种果实的抗氧化能力差异较大,‘蓓蕾’果实抗氧化活性最高,其次是野生蓝靛果,‘蓝鸟’果实的抗氧化活性最低。相关性分析结果显示,蓝靛果果实的抗氧化能力与类黄酮、总酚、花色苷含量存在极显著相关性,其中,类黄酮含量与·OH清除能力相关系数最大,即蓝靛果果实类黄酮清除·OH的能力最强。综上可知,‘蓓蕾’果实生物活性物质含量较高,抗氧化能力比其他2个蓝靛果品种强,适宜进行加工及内含物提取利用,是制备抗氧化剂的优良材料。     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">D</Emphasis><Superscript>2</Superscript> analysis for estimating genetic divergence in different clones of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dalbergia sissoo</Emphasis>

Genetic divergence was studied in selected 36 genotypes of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. on the basis of seven morphological parameters. The divergence among genotypes was estimated by Mahalanobis method and genotypes were grouped into clusters by Tocher’s method. All the genotypes were classified into seven distinct clusters on the basis of seven morphological traits. Cluster 1 was the largest with 25 genotypes followed by Cluster 2 (four genotypes). Cluster 3, 5, 6 and 7 were the divergent clusters. The D ² analysis revealed that D ² value (39.42) between clone 5040 and clone 201 was recorded maximum. The intra-cluster distance ranged from 0.00 (Cluster 3, 5, 6 and 7) to 3.89 (Cluster 1), the Cluster 3 (clone 33) was the most divergent cluster with maximum inter cluster distance (13.97) with the Cluster 7. By the divergence analysis, the parents for hybridization from diverse clusters could be selected for heterotic hybrids.     

Factors influencing direct shoot regeneration from leaves,petioles, and plantlet roots of triploid hybrid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tacamahaca</Emphasis>

Since the generation of full-sib artificial triploid families, rapid clone establishment and genetic improvements have been needed. Here, we report an in vitro method of direct shoot regeneration of a triploid hybrid poplar [(Populus simonii × P. nigra ‘Italica’) × (P. × ‘popularis’)]. Using different randomized block designs, we selected one triploid to evaluate the explant type, optimal concentrations of plant growth regulators and agar, and culture time under light or dark conditions over 60 days. The highest rate of shoot induction, 80.0%, was obtained using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L benzyladenine, 0.04 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 5.5 g/L agar for the first 30 days in the dark, then 3 g/L agar for the next 30 days in light. This last medium yielded the best rate of shoot induction (6.32 shoots/explant). These three media were also used to evaluate the influence of the genotypes of the parents and hybrid triploids on regeneration. Two parents and three of the four full-sib triploids were regenerated successfully; different genotypes and explant types significantly affected the rate of shoot induction and average number of shoots. Leaves but not petioles were a suitable explant. One genotype produced the highest rate of shoot induction of 96.67%. Half-strength MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L indole butyric acid and 0.04 mg/L NAA was the most effective for rooting; rooting rate was 96.67%, survival rate of transplants was 73.33%, and rooting frequency surpassed 85% for each genotype. Overall, this in vitro regeneration system will be useful for the propagation and genetic modification of triploid poplars.     

A dwarf bamboo (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pleioblastus chino</Emphasis>) and winter browsing by Japanese hare (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lepus brachyurus</Emphasis>) combine to limit establishment of transplanted native tree seedlings in an abandoned agricultural field

Natural forest recovery on abandoned farmland is hindered by a variety of factors and active restoration plays an important role when quick afforestation is desired. We investigated seedling survival of four transplanted native tree species (Quercus myrsinifolia, Quercus serrata, Aphananthe aspera, and Rhus sylvestris) by experimentally manipulating the vegetation cover, which was mainly dominated by dwarf bamboo (Pleioblastus chino), and herbivore access to the planting sites on farmland that had been abandoned for 15 years at the start of the study. Few transplanted seedlings of any species survived under intact vegetation cover, irrespective of herbivore presence. In gaps in the vegetation cover, winter browsing by Japanese hare (Lepus brachyurus) damaged all species. However, lower browsing frequency and higher resprouting ability after grazing of the seedlings enabled both Quercus species to survive better than the other species. These results indicate that dwarf bamboo and the hare jointly limit the establishment of native trees in old fields. If active afforestation by transplanting seedlings at sites dominated by dwarf bamboo is planned, a combination of vegetation removal, selection of suitable species, and temporary seedling protection will be most effective.     

Distribution,habitats and host plants of the cherry bark tortrix, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Enarmonia formosana</Emphasis> (Scopoli) in the Czech Republic (Lepidoptera,Tortricidae)

Distribution of the cherry bark tortrix, Enarmonia formosana (Scopoli) (=CBT) was determined by detecting the presence of their frass tubes on the trunk of rosaceous shrubs and trees throughout the Czech Republic. Tree disjunctive areas of CBT were indicated in the country. The overall distribution of CBT approximates the annual isothermes 8–9?°C and 10–11?°C, but a number of zonal exceptions were also determined. The occurrence of CBT on sweet cherry, Prunus avium (L.) was the key target association, but P. armeniaca L., P. cerasus L., P. divaricata Ledeb., P.?domestica L., P. persica L., and P. serrulata Lindley were also identified on the distributional map.     

Hymenopterous parasitoids of the cherry bark tortrix, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Enarmonia formosana</Emphasis> (Scopoli) in central-east Europe (Hymenoptera,Ichneumonoidea; Lepidoptera,Tortricidae)

Strategies targeting the biological control of the cherry bark tortrix (=CBT), Enarmonia formosana (Scopoli) in North America have also included the search for potentially useful native hymenopterous parasitoids of the pest in Europe. The search for such agents undertaken in the central-east Europe (Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Hungary) resulted in determination of several ichneumonid species (Campoplex cf. dubitator Horst., Liotryphon sp., Lissonotus sp., Pimpla spuria (Grav.), Pimpla turionellae (L.), and some others, and a braconid (Apanteles britannicus Wilk.) in 2001–2002.     

In vitro regeneration of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus tomentosa</Emphasis> from petioles

A reliable in vitro regeneration procedure for Populus tomentosa is a prerequisite for its trait improvement through genetic transformation. We established a systematic protocol for indirect regeneration of P. tomentosa using in vitro petioles of Chinese poplar cultivar ‘fasta-3’. A high frequency of callus induction (>97 %) was obtained from isolated petioles cultured on the modified 1/2MS basal medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L ZT and 1.0 mg/L NAA, and the tested calli were subsequently plated on 1/2MS basal medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/L BA, 0.25 mg/L ZT, 0.25 mg/L NAA, 0.01 mg/L TDZ, and 0.5 mg/L KT for efficient regeneration of shoots after being cultured for 6 weeks. The regenerated shoots were vigorously rooted on the tested media supplemented with 1.0 mg/L IBA and 0.5 mg/L NAA. These results can facilitate genetic transformation of P. tomentosa for trait improvements in future.     

Influence of umbrella pine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">pinea</Emphasis> L.) stand type and tree characteristics on cone production

Most umbrella pine (Pinus pinea L.) stands are managed as agroforestry systems, whose main production is fruit, due to the edible and highly nutritious kernels, and are frequently associated to natural or seeded pastures and grazing. The stands have low density, in order to enhance crown growth and fruit production. Nevertheless, cone production, both with regard to number and weight, varies greatly between stands, trees and years. In this study were selected three agroforestry systems, representative of umbrella pine stands whose main production is fruit, and one stand representative of the timber production system, where fruit is the secondary production. It was evaluated the variability in cone production as a function of the tree’s diameter at breast height and crown diameter and the individual tree’s competition status. The results indicate that stands managed in agroforestry systems with lower competition and individuals with larger diameter at breast height and crown diameter tend to produce more and heavier cones per tree. The first two principal components of the principal component analysis explain 84 % of the variance in cone production, trees’ dimensions and competition index. Tree competition status has a negative impact on production per tree.     

Selection of promising chestnuts (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Castanea sativa</Emphasis>) among wild growing trees from southern Mediterranean region forests of Turkey

Turkey ranked third place in the world for chestnut production after China and South Korea and the country has unique chestnut forests including valuable and diverse chestnut genotypes. This study was conducted to select superior chestnut genotypes within seedling populations found in natural wild grown chestnut forest located in Isparta province in Turkey during 2010–2011 years. A total of 2500 wild grown chestnut trees were examined on the field first year and among them the most promising 22 genotypes were chosen according to relatively high yield capacity, earliness, tolerance to chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica), ink disease (Phytopthora cambivora), and fruit quality characteristics. The selected 22 genotypes were evaluated for their detailed morphological, phenological and pomological traits in 2010 and 2011. According to average of 2 years, nut weight, the number of nut per kilogram, nut width, nut length, nut height and nut shell thickness of 22 promising genotypes ranged from 10.26 to 22.32 g, 97.47 to 44.80/kg, 26.80 to 42.47, 16.92 to 25.91, 27.74 to 39.73, and 0.26 to 1.01 mm, respectively. The ash, crude protein, and total fat content of kernels were between 0.85 to 1.94, 3.69 to 7.06 and 1.32 to 4.52, respectively. The genotypes were evaluated with weighted ranking method and the highest general quality score was observed in genotypes of IY17, IY01, IY42, IY43 and IY12.     

Characterization of a collection of Chinese fir elite genotypes using sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers

Chinese fir [Cunninghamia lanceolata(Lamb.)Hook] is a major timber tree species in China.In the present study,sequence-related amplified polymorphism(SRAP) markers were used to evaluate the polymorphisms,diversity,and relationships in a collection of Chinese fir elite genotypes(n=103) from the Lechang provenance,an endangered provenance.Thirty-five SRAP primer combinations produced 620 bands among the tested 103 Lechang provenance genotypes and 17 non-Lechang provenance genotypes;577(93.1 %) of these were polymorphic,yielding an average of 16.5 polymorphic bands per primer combination.Of the SRAP primer combinations(n=35),14 ones identified C70.0 % of the 120 genotypes.The Me12–Em19 combination had the strongest discriminatory ability with 93.3 % of the genotypes identified.An UPGMA dendrogram further showed that most of the Lechang provenance genotypes(87.4 %) grouped together(Cluster A).The Lechang genotypes had a considerable amount of genetic variation with genetic similarity from 0.40 to 0.81.The current work may facilitate the management of the endangered Lechang Chinese fir provenance.     

Free amino acid content in trunk,branches and branchlets of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Araucaria angustifolia</Emphasis> (Araucariaceae)

Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) O. Kuntze exhibits dimorphism in its stem structure, where the trunk is orthotropic and branches and branchlets (primary and secondary branches) are plagiotropic. These stems exhibit different behavior when used for vegetative propagation, and only segments of trunk can form a complete plant. The physiological and biochemical mechanisms that characterize these stems are still little known. The aim of this study was to describe the free amino acid profiles in trunks, branches, and branchlets of A. angustifolia. Segments of 5 cm in length were excised from young individuals below the stem apex. The needles were removed and samples were frozen and lyophilized. The determinations were made by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the results were expressed as µg/g fresh weight (FW). The trunks and branches had the highest content of total amino acids, which were 112.23 ± 20.57 µg/g FW and 111.97 ± 27.78 µg/g FW, respectively. The amino acids—glutamine, aspartate and γ-aminobutyric acid and tyrosine—were noticeably higher in the three types of stems. In the trunk, a higher amount of asparagine and tryptophan, was also detected. Glutamic acid and glutamine were found in higher quantities in the branches. The branchlets had very low total amino acid content (30.79 ± 4.19 µg/g FW), wherein asparagine is the only amino acid not detected. Thus, it was observed that the profile of the free amino acid differs among trunks, branches, and branchlets in A. angustifolia, indicating that they perform different functions.     

Dietary yeast affects preference and performance in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila suzukii</Emphasis>

Yeasts play an important role in nutrition physiology and host attraction of many Drosophila species, and associations with various yeast species are documented for several drosophilid flies. The pest Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) has a predominant association with the yeast Hanseniaspora uvarum. However, research has not been conducted on the nutritional physiology of the yeasts associated with D. suzukii (spotted wing drosophila). Therefore, in this study, we determined whether dietary yeast was nutritionally relevant and whether yeast species closely associated with D. suzukii positively affected life-history traits. Our results confirm a crucial role of dietary yeast in the larval development and survival of D. suzukii. Furthermore, we found specific effects of the closely associated yeast species H. uvarum and Candida sp. on larval survival. Observations of the egg-laying behaviour of D. suzukii on cherry fruits artificially colonised with different yeast species revealed that the number of eggs laid increased on fruits colonised with Candida sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.     

Minor cultures as hosts for vectors of extensive crop diseases: Does <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvia sclarea</Emphasis> act as a pathogen and vector reservoir for lavender decline?

Stolbur is a phytoplasma disease affecting crops worldwide. The planthopper Hyalesthes obsoletus is the main natural vector of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ responsible of stolbur. In France, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia) are strongly affected by this phytoplasma. These plant species are both hosts for the phytoplasma and its insect vector. In 2011, catches of adults were exceptionally sizable on one of the clones of lavandin most tolerant to lavender decline. A high population level of ‘Ca. P. solani’ vector was also observed on the adjacent plot of clary sage, Salvia sclarea. In order to clarify the potential role of S. sclarea as a host plant for H. obsoletus and ‘Ca. P. solani,’ we conducted field surveys and laboratory experiments. The uprooting of clary sage and root examination showed the presence of nymphs during winter. Harvested nymphs have been reared on S. sclarea from seedlings in a greenhouse for many generations. By performing its whole lifecycle on clary sage, we demonstrated for the first time that S. sclarea is a host plant of H. obsoletus and could be a source of stolbur vector. Nevertheless, status of clary sage as host plant of phytoplasma in the field up to now is not so clear. On 42 Q-PCR runs done on S. sclarea, 41 were negative to the phytoplasma, and one positive. Experimental transmission with infected H. obsoletus sampled on infected lavender showed that clary sage plant could be infected, expressed symptoms and multiplied ‘Ca. P. solani.’     

Lack of correlation between host choice and feeding efficiency for the B and Q putative species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis> on four pepper genotypes

The B and Q putative species of Bemisia tabaci are among the most invasive pests in the world. In China, Q is displacing B. Although this displacement is often attributed to the higher resistance of Q to insecticides, a higher tolerance of Q to low-quality host plants may also be important. In this study, we first determined the contents of main secondary insect-resistant compounds (total phenol and flavonoids) and nutrients (total amino acid, free protein, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) in four genotypes pepper (Capsicum annuum). We then conducted host choice and feeding behavior (EPG) experiments with B and Q on the four pepper genotypes. Zhongjiao4 was found to be the high-quality genotype (it had low levels of insect-resistance substances and high levels of nutrients), and Zhonghuahong was found to be the low-quality genotype (it had high levels of resistant compound and low levels of nutrients). EPG data indicated that both B and Q females fed more efficiently on high-quality Zhongjiao4 than on the other three pepper genotypes. In terms of settling and oviposition, however, B preferred the low-quality Zhonghuahong, and Q showed no preference among the four genotypes. We suggest that the lack of correlation between the results for feeding efficiency and settling/oviposition might be explained by repellent plant volatiles whose effects differ depending on pepper genotype and whitefly species.     

Yield and biomass production by African eggplant (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum aethiopicum</Emphasis>) and sorghum (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sorghum bicolor</Emphasis>) intercropped with planted Ber (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ziziphus mauritiana</Emphasis>) in Mali (West Africa)

Methods for introduction of an improved cultivar of Ber tree (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) also called Jujube and its management on farms through intercropping with African eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] were tested in Sanankoroba, Mali. An experimental plantation was established on-farm with seedlings of the local variety of Ber half of which were grafted in situ with an improved cultivar of Ber called Seb. Crop production, Ber growth and fruit production were assessed over two cropping seasons. Both the improved and local varieties of Ber had no detrimental effect on either eggplant or sorghum, both in terms of yield and nutritional quality. In fact a beneficial effect of trees was found on the performance of both crops (yield and dry matter production) which suggests complementarities in resource use. The high level of fruit production by the improved variety of Ber observed on farms under rain-fed conditions may be a source of additional income and diversification of diet for rural communities in West Africa. Therefore, farmers’ adoption of growing improved Ber varieties in association with food crops may help considerably in improving food security and alleviating poverty in the region.     

不同沙棘品种物候期及果实主要性状调查

为给辽宁省建平县沙棘资源的恢复与重建提供参考依据,对建平县主栽的12个沙棘品种的物候期及果实主要性状进行了调查,并对果实中可溶性糖、可滴定酸、总酚和类黄酮含量等生理指标进行了测定,还根据沙棘加工企业对其果实营养成分的利用范围对各品种果实的加工品质进行了综合评价。结果表明:1)供试的12个沙棘品种均于3月下旬开始萌动,4月中旬开始展叶,5月上中旬新梢开始生长,9月中旬新梢停止生长,4月中下旬进入花期,其花期持续4~8d;‘中红果’‘中黄果’‘深秋红’和‘雪地黄’于9月上中旬陆续成熟,其余品种均于8月上旬成熟。中国沙棘叶片于10月中旬开始变色,11月中旬全部落光;大果沙棘叶片于9月上中旬开始变色,10月中下旬全落。2)不同沙棘品种果实主要性状变异较为丰富,其变异系数为7.19%~28.92%,各性状指标的变异系数从大到小依次为:果形指数(28.92%)>百果质量(25.44%)>果实纵径(20.46%)>果实横径(7.19%)。3)百果质量与果实纵径间呈极显著正相关,即果实纵径越大,百果质量则越大。4)各品种果实加工品质的综合评分由大到小依次为:‘雪地黄’>‘巨人’>‘深秋红’>‘乌兰格木’>‘楚伊’>‘向阳’>‘阜欧’>‘中黄果’>‘俄3号’>‘中红果’。结合分析果实的主要性状和加工品质后认为,不论是对于满足沙棘加工企业的需求还是对于建平县沙棘资源的恢复与重建而言,‘雪地黄’和‘深秋红’两个品种都是较好的选择。     

‘鲁赫’刺蔷薇籽成分分析及抗氧化、抗炎活性研究

以‘鲁赫’刺蔷薇籽为原料对其营养成分及活性成分含量进行分析,并对提取物进行抗氧化活性和抗炎活性研究。结果表明:‘鲁赫’刺蔷薇籽的营养成分中总糖含量最高,达(24.78±0.65)%,其次是蛋白质,占(15.47±0.16)%。‘鲁赫’刺蔷薇籽中原花青素含量达(12.84±0.65)mg/g,含量较为丰富,总多酚含量次之,为(6.08±0.55)mg/g,总黄酮含量最少,为(1.13±0.11)mg/g。‘鲁赫’刺蔷薇籽具有优异的体外抗氧化能力,对DPPH自由基和羟基自由基的清除率可分别高达(88.87±1.25)%和(89.86±0.90)%。‘鲁赫’刺蔷薇籽对透明质酸酶和白蛋白变性的抑制率分别高达(83.18±0.28)%和(93.29±0.36)%,具有很强的体外抗炎性。‘鲁赫’刺蔷薇籽具有丰富的营养成分和活性物质并具有较强的体外抗氧化、抗炎活性,应用潜力巨大。     

Greenhouse biofumigation with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melia azedarach</Emphasis> controls <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meloidogyne</Emphasis> spp. and enhances soil biological activity

The need for environmentally friendly agricultural practices has led to the development of plant-based nematicides for root-knot nematode control. The efficacy of these botanicals has been tested primarily under laboratory and rarely under actual field conditions. Moreover, any side effects on non-target soil organisms that support soil biological activity are usually ignored. Herein, we evaluate the efficacy of Melia azedarach preparations against Meloidogyne spp. in a tomato greenhouse, by root gall examination and soil J2 enumeration. We also assessed side effects on soil microbes through PLFA analysis and microbivorous nematodes, and we quantified several plant growth parameters (e.g., fruit number and weight, root weight). Different treatments within the greenhouse included M. azedarach ripe fruit powder (MFP), ripe fruit water extract (MWE) and furfural, one of the principal active ingredients of M. azedarach and previously known to exhibit fumigant nematicidal activity. Results were compared to those obtained with the commercial nematicide oxamyl (Vydate^® 10 SL) and an untreated control. All treatments were repeated every 20 days throughout the cultivation period. MFP and MWE suppressed Meloidogyne spp. often at the same levels obtained by furfural and oxamyl treatments and enhanced soil biological activity, as indicated by the proliferation of soil microbes and microbial feeding nematodes. Furfural and oxamyl adversely affected the soil community, especially the free-living nematodes. Moreover, furfural was phytotoxic to tomato plants in spite of its natural origin.