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HOW FUNGI INTERACT WITH NEMATODE TO ACTIVATE THE PLANT DEFENCE RESPONSE TO TOMATO PLANTS
Communications in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences
|June 18, 2015
Summary
Trichoderma harzianum (fungus) effectively reduces root-knot nematode (RKN) infestation in tomato plants. This biological control method activates plant defense genes, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical treatments.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Pathology
- Microbial Ecology
Background:
- Plant parasitic nematodes, particularly root-knot nematodes (RKNs), cause significant crop damage.
- Chemical nematicides pose environmental risks, necessitating eco-friendly alternatives.
- Fungi like Trichoderma spp. are known biological control agents against plant pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum (isolate ITEM 908) in controlling Meloidogyne incognita (nematode) infestation in tomato plants.
- To investigate the underlying defense mechanisms by analyzing the expression of plant resistance genes (PR1 and JERF3).
Main Methods:
- Tomato plants were subjected to different treatments: untreated, pre-treated with T. harzianum, inoculated with M. incognita, or both pre-treated and inoculated.
- Nematode infestation levels were assessed.
- Gene expression patterns for PR1 (salicylic acid pathway) and JERF3 (jasmonic acid/ethylene pathway) were analyzed over time in root tissues.
Main Results:
- Trichoderma harzianum isolate ITEM 908 significantly reduced nematode infestation levels in tomato plants.
- The fungus modulated the expression of PR1 and JERF3 genes, indicating activation of plant defense signaling pathways.
- Gene expression changes correlated with the observed reduction in nematode infestation.
Conclusions:
- Trichoderma harzianum (ITEM 908) is a promising biological control agent for managing root-knot nematodes in susceptible tomato cultivars.
- The fungus likely induces plant resistance through the activation of both salicylic acid and jasmonic acid/ethylene-dependent signaling pathways.
- This study highlights the potential of using beneficial fungi for sustainable agriculture and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.
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