The role of salicylic and jasmonic acid in the induction of resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana against Meloidogyne incognita

Abstract

This study explores the exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) for inducing systemic resistance toward Meloidogyne incognita in Arabidopsis thaliana, using an axenic split-root system. The results revealed that SA treatments significantly reduced gall formation, while MeJA alone did not. Significant increases in nematode control were observed for the interaction of SA with MeJA, where the 50 μM SA + 10 μM MeJA combination proved the most effective by reducing gall formation 73 % compared to controls. This suggests an “optimal concentration window” where both signaling pathways are being triggered in a synergistic way. The findings contribute to understanding complex defense signaling networks and opens possibilities for developing sustainable nematode control strategies based on modulating plants' natural defenses.