Induced Cucumber Plant Resistance to Meloidogyne incognita By Certain Biotic and Abiotic Inducers in Relation to Some Biochemical.

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the role of certain abiotic and biotic inducers in inducing cucumber resistance against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita , under greenhouse conditions. The abiotic inducers comprised acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and Indole acetic acid (IAA) while the biotic inducer was Bacillus pumilus (B.P.). The results revealed that, among all treatments, the double combinations of IAA before B.P. by 3 days as well as ASA before B.P.by 3 days showed the best treatments to increase plant resistance against Meloidogyne incognita infection and improved plant vigor based on fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots compared to using them individually and control inoculated non-treated plants. A generalized increase was observed in the peroxidase activities and in proline amino acids and total phenols due to the application of the investigated inducer. The degree of increase differed according to treatment and biochemical aspects. The overproduction of these biochemical aspects may play a part in the induction of plant defenses against nematode infestation. In conclusion, the development of safety control measures by inducing plant resistance will protect a wide range of plant crops against nematode threats and can be used in integrated pest management programs.