ABSTRACT Plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses contribute significantly to annual crop losses and economic hardship. Reliance on chemical pesticides, over a thousand used globally, raises major environmental and health concerns. This study evaluates Agave angustifolia (accession no. 1624) as an eco‐friendly alternative for managing pests and pathogens. Plant extracts were prepared using hexane (AAHE), chloroform (AACE), and methanol (AAME), with AAME showing the highest yield (5.16%). In vitro bioassays assessed nematicidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, antifeedant, insecticidal, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. AAME was most effective against Meloidogyne incognita , inhibiting egg hatching and increasing larval mortality, followed by AACE and AAHE. AAME also showed strong antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotium , Fusarium oxysporum , and Macrophomina phaseolina , with Sclerotinia sclerotium being the most sensitive. AAME exhibited the highest antibacterial efficacy against Xanthomonas oryzae and Dickeya zeae , while Escherichia coli was insensitive. Antifeedant tests against tobacco caterpillar ( Spodoptera litura ) revealed AACE (95%) as most effective, followed by AAME (93%) and AAHE (72.4%). Insecticidal activity against white grubs ( Holotrachia spp.) showed 100% mortality on Day 7 by AACE, 80%, and 60% by AAME and AAHE, respectively. GC–MS analysis revealed bioactive compounds: AAME contained esters, fatty acids, and sugars; AACE had sesquiterpenoids, terpenes, and steroids; and AAHE comprised ketones, aldehydes, and hydrocarbons. AChE inhibition was highest with AAME (71.10%), indicating potential neurotoxic effects on pests. Overall, Agave angustifolia demonstrates promise as a sustainable, low‐cost alternative to synthetic pesticides, particularly for marginal farmers. Further research is needed to isolate active constituents, determine mechanisms of action, and develop formulations for practical agricultural use.
Tamta et al. (Wed,) studied this question.