Investigations on the induced resistance of tomato towards root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita race-2 and Meloidogyne javanica race-1)

Induced resistance toward Meloidogyne incognita race-2 and M. javanica race-l by salicyclic acid (SA), Trifluralin, DL-P-amino-n-butyric acid (BABA) and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melongenae was studied. The inducing agents did not have a direct impact on the juveniles (J2) of M incognita race-2 and M. javanica race-l. The only S A treated plants produced low level of J2 M. incognita race-2 and M. javanica race-l in soils, reduced gall rates, as well as low root penetration by J2 and reduced reproduction rate. Hence, it can be suggested that SA induces resistance in tomato toward nematodes. Other resistance inducing agents did not have any negative effect on M incognita race-2 and M. javanica race-l in tomato. However in BABA treated tomato plants, more J2 of M incognita race-2, higer root-gall rates and reproduction rates compound to control were observed. Therefore, this chemical did not induced any resistance in tomato, even improwed nematode development. Key words: Meloidogyne incognita race-2, M. javanica race-l, induced resitance, resistance inducing agents, tomato