Changes in nucleotide composition of the plant RNA during infection by Meloidogyne incognita

Abstract

Changes in the nucleic acid metabolism due to infection by plant pathogens has been well-documented (Heitefuss and Wolf, 1976; Chakravorty and Shaw, 1977). More specifically for phytopathogenic nematodes the reports (Bird, 1971; Rubinstein and Owens, 1964; Owens and Specht, 1966) indicate alteration in nucleic acid levels. Premachandran and Dasgupta (1983) have found a varying time course pattern of RNA and DNA synthesis in susceptible and resistant varieties of tomato plants consequent upon infection by Meloidogyne incognita. Increased concentrations of purines with a reduction in the pryrimidines of tomato roots infected with M. incognita has also been observed (Okopnyi, 1977). In this investigation we examine the alterations in the proportions of the nucleotides during pathogenesis by the nematode and its correlation with the resistance response.