On the biochemical mechanism of resistance in tomato against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita
Abstract
Basic studies relating to biochemical mechanism of resistance in tomato to the root-knot nematode, M. incognita were made to elucidate biochemical basis of resistance in hosts to the nematode. Enzymic regulation of phenylpropanoid pathway leading to biosynthesis of certain benzoid compounds during post-infection period of hosts varied significantly in the resistant-reacting and susceptible tomato varieties. Our studies indicated that the nematode mediated disease resistance in tomato var. SL-120 was due to inducible production of antibiotic molecules. The initial biochemical events which occurred soon after nematode infection of host plants leading to resistance responses was mediated by de novo gene activation, and thereby resulting in the synthesis of new species mRNAS and enzyme proteins possibly required for the production of antibiotic molecules. The results of this investigation lead us to suggest that interactions between the hosts and the parasite resulted in a rapid alteration of host metabolism at the gene transcriptional level.
