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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Hilo, Hawaii » Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center » Tropical Plant Genetic Resources and Disease Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #429619
Research Project: Crop Health and Genetic Improvement of Sub-Tropical and Tropical Crops in the Pacific

Location: Tropical Plant Genetic Resources and Disease Research

Title: Papaya seed extract for management of Radopholus similis on anthurium

Author
item BRALEY, LAUREN - University Of Hawaii
item Myers, Roxana
item PAUDEL, ROSHAN - University Of Hawaii
item SU, WEI WEN - University Of Hawaii
item WANG, KOON-HUI - University Of Hawaii

Submitted to: Journal of Nematology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/22/2026
Publication Date: 5/4/2026
Citation: Braley, L., Myers, R.Y., Paudel, R., Su, W., Wang, K. 2026. Papaya seed extract for management of Radopholus similis on anthurium. Journal of Nematology. 58(1):116-125. https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2026-0003.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/jofnem-2026-0003

Interpretive Summary: Anthuriums are a popular cut flower known for their heart-shape, vibrant color, and long vase life. This tropical flower is one of Hawaii’s signature agricultural exports and is prized by the wedding and tourism sectors. Anthuriums rank among the top floriculture crops in Hawaii and contribute significantly to the sustainability of small farms and the local economy. Hawaii’s anthurium growers face a multitude of challenges including pest and disease pressure. Burrowing nematode causes stunting of anthurium plants and severe root destruction. Yield losses of 50% or more occur with flowers becoming smaller and fewer stems produced. This study found that drenching anthuriums with a crude extract of ground papaya seed reduced burrowing nematode populations and increased plant growth. The use of ground papaya seed is a more environmentally friendly management approach than chemical nematicides, and culled papayas are readily available in farming communities where anthuriums are grown.

Technical Abstract: Anthurium cut flowers are an economically important ornamental crop in Hawai’i, but their production is threatened by the burrowing nematode, Radopholus similis, which reduces yield and increases production costs. This study evaluated the nematicidal potential of crude extract from ground papaya seed (PGS CE), a local agricultural by-product that contains glucosinolates that hydrolyze into benzyl isothiocyanate, active against R. similis. Greenhouse trials demonstrated that monthly drenches with 0.5 or 1.0% PGS CE significantly reduced R. similis population densities in both roots and cinder media, decreased root lesion severity, and increased leaf production without phytotoxicity or adverse effects on free-living bacterivorous nematodes. While 1.0% PGS CE slightly reduced plant biomass, 0.5% PGS CE improved plant growth and flower production. Regression analysis supported the link between nematode suppression and enhanced anthurium health. Thus, PGS CE presents a sustainable, locally available, and effective biofumigant for nematode management in anthurium, warranting further optimization and future field-scale validation.