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Published on: March 10, 2020
Induced systemic resistance of selected endophytic bacteria against Meloidogyne incognita on tomato
A Munif1, J Hallmann, R A Sikora
1Soil-Ecosystem Phytopathology and Nematology, Institut für Pflanzenkrankheiten, Universität Bonn, Nussallee 9, D-53115 Bonn, Germany.
Abstract:
In previous work, the four endophytic bacteria Pantoea agglomerans MK-29, Cedeca davisae MK-30, Enterobacter spp. MK-42 and Pseudomonas putida MT-19 were shown to reduce Meloidogyne incognita on tomato when applied as a seed treatment and/or soil drench. The objective of this work was to study these bacteria for their potential to induce systemic resistance against root knot nematodes on tomato. To guarantee spatial separation between inducing agent and pathogen a split-root system was chosen and inoculated with the bacteria as a drench application on one side of the root system and 6 days later with 2000 juveniles of Meloidogyne incognita on the other side of the split-root system. The experiment was maintained in the greenhouse and repeated once. The penetration rate of juveniles as well as the total number of root-knot galls and egg masses was recorded. Treatment with all four bacteria significantly reduced juvenile penetration and the number of root-knot galls when compared with the non-treated control. Induced systemic resistance is considered a possible control mechanism of endophytic bacteria against root-knot nematodes.
Insights
Four endophytic bacteria were tested for their ability to induce systemic resistance against root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita) in tomato plants. All tested bacteria significantly reduced nematode penetration and gall formation, suggesting a promising biological control strategy.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Microbiology
- Agricultural Science
Background:
- Endophytic bacteria Pantoea agglomerans, Cedeca davisae, Enterobacter spp., and Pseudomonas putida previously demonstrated efficacy in reducing Meloidogyne incognita.
- Understanding the mechanisms of action, such as induced systemic resistance, is crucial for developing biological control agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of four specific endophytic bacteria to induce systemic resistance against root knot nematodes in tomato.
- To assess the impact of these bacteria on nematode juvenile penetration and subsequent root damage.
Main Methods:
- A split-root system was employed to ensure spatial separation between bacterial inoculation and nematode challenge.
- Tomato plants were inoculated with one of four endophytic bacteria on one side of the split root system, followed by Meloidogyne incognita inoculation on the other side six days later.
- Juvenile penetration, root-knot gall, and egg mass formation were quantified to assess nematode infestation levels.
Main Results:
- All four tested endophytic bacteria significantly reduced the penetration rate of Meloidogyne incognita juveniles into tomato roots.
- Treatment with the bacteria resulted in a significant decrease in the total number of root-knot galls and egg masses compared to the untreated control.
- The findings support the role of induced systemic resistance as a mechanism by which these bacteria confer protection.
Conclusions:
- Endophytic bacteria Pantoea agglomerans, Cedeca davisae, Enterobacter spp., and Pseudomonas putida effectively induce systemic resistance in tomato against Meloidogyne incognita.
- These bacteria represent a viable biological control option for managing root knot nematodes in tomato cultivation.
- Further research into the molecular mechanisms of induced systemic resistance by these endophytic bacteria is warranted.
