Effects of simulated acid rain and root‐knot nematode on tomato

Abstract

Effects were examined of simulated acid rain and of root‐knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita race 1, on plant growth, yield, photosynthetic pigments and leaf epidermal characters of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Pusa Ruby). Sequential inoculation exposures (pre‐, post‐, and concomitant with nematode inoculation) were carried out in a greenhouse. Intermittent treatments of simulated acid rain at pH 3.2 caused white‐to‐tan irregular lesions on both the upper and lower surfaces of tomato leaves. The foliar symptoms were more pronounced on nematode‐infected plants. Simulated acid rain (pH 3.2) and/or nematode infection suppressed plant growth, yield and pigment synthesis, the effects being greatest in post‐inoculation treatments compared with simulated acid rain at pH 6.8. The total weight of fruits per plant was greatly suppressed owing to simulated acid rain or nematode infection. Chlorophyll a was found to be more sensitive to simulated acid rain or nematode infection than other leaf pigments. Root penetration, galling, egg mass production, and fecundity (number of eggs per egg mass) of M. incognita were enhanced at pH 5.6 and suppressed at pH 3.2 compared with pH 6.8. Nematode infection or simulated acid rain at pH 3.2 suppressed stomata and trichome development (number and size). Simulated acid rain treatments at pH 5.6 had a positive effect on number and size of trichomes, but a negative effect on stomata. The apertures of stomata were wider on tomato leaves exposed to simulated acid rain, especially at pH 3.2, than at pH 6.8.