The root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita is a major pest that inflicts severe agricultural damage globally,
necessitating sustainable control strategies to mitigate crop losses. This study investigates the nematicidal potential
of Achyranthes aspera leaf extract against M. incognita, specifically targeting second-stage juveniles (J2)
and egg masses. A series of bioassays revealed that exposure to 1000 ppm of A. aspera extract resulted in maximal
J2s mortality and inhibition of egg hatching, while 250 ppm demonstrated the lowest impact. In a pot experiment
with mung bean (Vigna radiata), A. aspera treatments significantly reduced nematode infestation, which
correlated with improved plant growth and photosynthetic performance. Phytochemical analysis identified
fifteen major compounds in the leaf extract, with phytol (36.31 %), neophytadiene (7.98 %), and heptadecanoic
acid (2.83 %) as the most prominent. In-silico molecular docking studies further supported the nematicidal action
of these compounds, demonstrating strong interactions with key nematode proteins, including acetylcholinesterase,
cytochrome c oxidase subunit one, and heat shock protein 90. The results suggest that A. aspera leaf
extract could serve as an effective, eco-friendly bionematicide, presenting a feasible solution for managing
M. incognita in agriculture, especially for small-scale farmers. This work highlights A. aspera’s potential as a
sustainable tool for root-knot nematode management, offering benefits for crop health and yield.