Induction of Systemic Resistance in Gerbera jamesonii by Bacillus spp. Against Root Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita

Induction of defense enzyme such as catalase by the application of liquid and talc formulations of two isolates of Bacillus subtilis strain (BG37 and BG42) and B. amyloliquefaciens strain B4, against challenge inoculation of Meloidogyne incognita in gerbera var. Valletta was studied in vitro. Among the bacterial antagonists tested, soil drenching of liquid formulation of B. subtilis strain BG42 was showed the higher activities of catechol (8.34 ìg of H₂O₂ min¹ g⁻¹ compared to control 4.23 ìg of H₂O₂ min⁻¹ g⁻¹) after 7 days of application ingerbera plants inoculated with M. incognita. The present study implies earlier and higher accumulation of catalase in gerbera root tissue resulting in significant reduction in nematode infection.