Parasitic behavior of the root-knot nematode is negatively regulated by root-derived volatiles of C. metuliferus

Parasitic behavior of the root-knot nematode is negatively regulated by root-derived volatiles of the cucumber wild relative Cuc
Behavioral response of J2 nematodes to XTMC and CM3 root tips. a Schematic representation of XTMC and CM3 root tips for in vitro chemotaxis assays. b Comparison of the number J2s per root tip of XTMC and CM3 at 6 hours post-inoculation. Data are presented as means ± standard deviation (n = 33). **P < .01 (Wilcoxon signed rank test). c J2s around root tips of XTMC and CM3 at 6 hours post-inoculation. Credit: Nanjing Agricultural University

Recently, scientists from the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science provided new insights into the correlation between cucurbit root volatiles and root-knot nematode parasitism, paving the way for development of more sustainable cucumber production.

The researchers used the resistant C. metuliferus line CM3 and the susceptible cucumber line Xintaimici (XTMC) as study materials. CM3 roots repelled second-stage (J2) larvae of Meloidogyne incognita, whereas the roots of XTMC plants attracted the larvae. CM3 and XTMC were found to contain similar amounts of root volatiles, but many specific volatiles, including nine hydrocarbons, three alcohols, two aldehydes, two ketones, one ester, and one phenol, were detected only in CM3 roots.

One of these specific volatiles, (methoxymethyl)-benzene, repelled M. incognita, whereas creosol and (Z)-2-penten-1-ol attracted it. Interestingly, creosol and (Z)-2-penten-1-ol effectively killed M. incognita at high concentrations. The researchers also found that a mixture of CM3 volatiles increased cucumber resistance to M. incognita.

"This is the first study on in the roots of cucurbitaceous crops. The results provide insights into the interaction between the host and in the soil, studying why C. metuliferus repels nematodes and whether there are any substances that can help cucumber avoid infection or kill nematodes around roots is of great significance to cucumber production, which can be used to manage nematodes," said the authors.

The study was published in Horticulture Research.

More information: Xiaoxiao Xie et al, Negative regulation of root-knot nematode parasitic behavior by root-derived volatiles of wild relatives of Cucumis metuliferus CM3, Horticulture Research (2022). DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhac051

Provided by Nanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science

Citation: Parasitic behavior of the root-knot nematode is negatively regulated by root-derived volatiles of C. metuliferus (2022, August 12) retrieved 7 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2022-08-parasitic-behavior-root-knot-nematode-negatively.html
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