Induction of systemic resistance in bell pepper (Capsicum annum L.) mediated through Bacillus subtilis IIHR BS-2 against root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

Abstract

Induction of systemic resistance by Bacillus subtilis IIHR Bs-2 established through the activities of defense enzymes viz., catalase, peroxidase (PO), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) were intensively studied against root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt) seedlings under in vivo. It showed higher accumulation of defense enzymes viz., PAL, catalase and PO during early stages (10-30 days) of bell pepper treated with B. subtilis IIHR Bs-2 challenged with M. incognita inoculation. The highest enzyme activity was recorded as 136.14, 29.58, 10.72µmol min¹ mg of protein for PAL, catalase and PO, respectively at 30 days after nematode inoculation. In pot culture experiments, B. subtilis IIHR Bs-2 challenged with M. incognita inoculation treatment effectively colonized the bell pepper roots and soil (1.8 x 10+ cfug¹ of root and 1.4 x 10 cfu g' of soil) and caused significant reduction in nematode population (63.8% in root and 44.14% in soil) together with higher yield (22.05%) compared to untreated control.