Abstract :

Biochar, produced through pyrolysis of organic materials, has shown potential in improving soil properties and reducing population density of plant parasitic nematodes. Biochar prepared from rice straw, moringa wood and mango bushes were applied in vitro at various concentrations (1, 3 and 5%) against Pratylenchus penetrans. Results indicated that biochar types had significant effect on nematode mortality, the mortality rate increased with increasing the concentration and exposure period. Rice straw biochar had the highest effect on suppressing P. penetrans at concentration 5% for 72h (%90), followed by moringa wood (%86.33) then mango bush (%65.67). In vivo, the highest concentration of biochar was used. Rice straw biochar had the highest effect. It reduced the root lesion and population density of P. penetrans infecting peanut seedlings (%39.50) and (418.88), followed by moringa wood (%59.25) and (497.77) mango bushes came last with (%77.77) and (543.33). The use of biochar also led to an increase in plant height and root weight compared to the control infected (only nematode) and control healthy (without nematode). These findings suggest that biochar from these plant sources could serve as an eco-friendly alternative for nematode management in peanut cultivation. Future research should focus on optimizing biochar and application techniques to enhance its efficiency in sustainable peanut production.