Antagonistic potential and histopathology of Meloidogyne javanica on Macrotyloma axillare cv. Java

Abstract

Root-knot nematodes are obligate parasites, so changes at their feeding sites can limit their development. Alterations to feeding sites is one of the main actions taken by antagonistic plants. The aim of this study was to assess the response and histopathology of interactions between Meloidogyne javanica and the roots of Macrotyloma axillare cv. Java. The penetration and development of the nematode was assessed from 8 to 30 days after inoculation (DAI) with 3000 eggs + second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. javanica. The reproduction factor (RF) was assessed at 60 DAI, with two inoculation levels, 700 and 1000 eggs + J2, and the changes in the development and histopathology of M. javanica was assessed at 10, 15 and 30 DAI. Suscetible soybean was used as a control. The development of nematodes at the third (J3) and fourth juvenile (J4) stages was delay, despite the presence of J2 inside the roots, and no adult females were found in the M. axillare cv. Java roots. RF was 0.31 and 0.39 for M. axillare cv. Java and 3.40 and 4.52 for soybean at inoculation levels of 700 and 1000 eggs + J2, respectively. The feed cells in M. axillare cv. Java could not effectively nourish the nematode, which led to deformed females 30 DAI. The feed cells and nematode development, however, were normal in soybean. M. axillare cv. Java was resistant to M. javanica and had an antagonistic potential, because it did not prevent the nematode from penetrating the roots but had a negative effect on M. javanica due to the inefficiency of the feeding site.