Changes in free proline following infection of plants with either Meloidogyne javanica or Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Abstract

Infection of tomato plants by either Meloidogyne javanica or Agrobacterium tumefaciens resulted in accumulation of free proline in galls whether they were on roots or stems. The concentration of free proline increased with increasing density of inoculum of nematodes and varied with time, the highest concentration occurring at the time of egg production. Water stress was not necessary for the accumulation of proline as it accumulated in infected tomato in the absence of water stress, and in infected cucumber plants which normally do not accumulate proline under water stress. The concentration of free proline was highest in eggs and egg sacs and in the galls as compared to uninfected portions of roots of infected tomato plants.