Electrospun α-Terthienyl Nanofibres as a Sustainable Alternative to ChemicalNematicides: Controlled Release, Eco-Safety, and Enhanced Plant Protection

Plant-parasitic nematodes, particularly Meloidogyne incognita , cause severe yield losses in vegetables and field crops, with global damage estimated at $173 billion annually. Conventional chemical nematicides, though effective, face increasing restrictions due to their ecological risks, necessitating safer, sustainable alternatives. The present study explores an innovative nanotechnology-based strategy using electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibres infused with α-terthienyl (α-T), a potent nematicidal compound derived from Tagetes spp. Nanofibre mats were fabricated via electrospinning, characterized by SEM, TEM, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy, confirming successful α-T incorporation and structural stability. In vitro assays revealed significant inhibition of egg hatching (76.7% at 10 ppm) and juvenile mortality (81.7% at 10 ppm), establishing this concentration as optimal. Release kinetics demonstrated sustained degradation of nanofibres, with 78.1% weight loss over 120 days, ensuring gradual α-T delivery. Hydrolytic studies further confirmed matrix integrity and controlled release properties. Biosafety assessments on Eudrilus eugeniae showed no adverse effects on survival or reproduction, validating eco-safety. Molecular docking revealed strong binding of α-T with nematode proteins, particularly cytochrome c oxidase (–7.2 kcal/mol), indicating disruption of mitochondrial respiration as a potential mode of action. Furthermore, seed encapsulation trials on bhendi ( Abelmoschus esculentus ) demonstrated uniform nanofibre coating, improved germination (78%), enhanced seedling vigor, and effective suppression of root-knot nematodes under pot culture conditions, outperforming conventional carbofuran treatment. These findings highlight α-T infused nanofibres as a promising eco-friendly technology for integrated nematode management, offering sustained release, enhanced plant vigor, and environmental safety.