Macronutrient Status, Growth, and Physiological Parameters of Mulberry Leaves Infested with the Root Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

The nematode Meloidogyne incognita is notorious for its detrimental effects on mulberry plants, where it induces root knot disease and severely impairs plant growth and development. This damage disrupts leaf production, which in turn adversely affects the health of silkworms and diminishes cocoon yields, ultimately impacting the economic viability of the silk industry. To explore these impacts, a study was conducted employing a completely randomized block design with an inoculum concentration of 1000 nematode juveniles per plant. The research aimed to evaluate the effects of root knot nematodes on macronutrient levels, growth, and physiological changes in mulberry leaves, in comparison to non-infested control plants. The findings demonstrated a significant decrease in the macronutrient levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the leaves of infested plants. Furthermore, critical growth and physiological parameters exhibited notable adverse changes in Specific Leaf Area (cm²), Total Leaf Area (cm²), Stomatal Index (mm²), and Stomatal Conductivity (µmol of H₂O m^-2 s^-1) in the infested leaves relative to the control plants.