Effect of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid et White) Chitwood on the nicotine content of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Authors

  • G. Zacheo
  • F. Lamberti
  • R. D. Durbin

Abstract

The nicotine content of the apical leaves of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in plots treated with the nematicide 1,3 dichloropropene, was found to be lower than that of leaves from untreated plots (Lamberti et al., 1971). Examination of the root systems of the plants revealed that those from the treated plots were only moderately attacked by root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid et White) Chitw, whereas roots from the untreated plots were severely galled. The question then arose as to whether the decreased nicotine content was the result of the nematicide treatment per se or whether nematode invasion might stimulate nicotine metabolism since the roots are the sole synthesizing organ (Dawson, 1942, 1945). The results of experiments designed to discriminate between these two possibilities are reported herein.

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Published

1974-12-15

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Section

Articles