Biochemical Responses and Biocontrol of Meloidogyne javanica by Arthrobotrys oligospora and Bacillus subtilis Using the Split-Root Method on Tomato

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
mahsa meftahi 1
Navazollah Sahebani 1
Hossein Ramshini 2
Mahmoud Reza Roozban 3
1 Department of Plant Protection, Agriculture Faculty of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, P. O. Box: 1365/4117, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
2 Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding Sciences Agriculture Faculty of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, P. O. Box: 1365/4117, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
3 Department of Horticulture, Agriculture Faculty of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, P. O. Box: 1365/4117, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract
Root exudates affect soil organisms through chemical reactions and nutrient supply, as well as through attraction, repulsion, or growth inhibition. This study investigated the biochemical responses of tomato roots using a split-root system after inoculation with Meloidogyne javanica, combined with either Arthrobotrys oligospora, Bacillus subtilis, or both. Root exudates were analyzed for H₂O₂, total phenolics, carbohydrates, and total protein, and the biocontrol potential of the two agents under nematode stress was assessed. Treatments significantly affected defensive (H₂O₂, phenolics) and nutritional (protein, carbohydrate) compounds, with strong associations among these responses. The highest concentrations of H₂O₂ (31.57 μmol ml⁻¹) and phenolics (0.56 μg ml⁻¹) were observed in the combined nematode-fungus-bacteria treatment. Protein levels peaked in both the nematode-fungus-bacteria and nematode-bacteria treatments, reaching 33.65 and 33.59 μg ml⁻¹, respectively. Carbohydrate levels were highest in the fungus treatment, measuring 33.32 mg ml⁻¹, and lowest in the nematode-only treatment, which recorded 9.76 mg ml⁻¹. These findings underscore the significance of root exudates in the interactions among plants, microbes, and nematodes. They also suggest that biological control could be a sustainable pest management strategy for improving crop productivity.
Keywords
Biological control
Rhizosphere interactions
Root exudates
Root-knot nematode
Subjects
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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 24 October 2026