GREENHOUSE EVALUATION OF EXPERIMENTAL HARPIN-BASED SEED AND FOLIAR TREATMENTS ON ROOT KNOT NEMATODES IN COTTON

摘要

Harpin proteins activate natural stress-defense responses in plants that increase plant vigor and result in better overall plant health. Root-knot nematode (RKN), Meloidogyne incognita, is an important nematode pest of many crop species including cotton. A study was initiated to examine the effects of harpin proteins on cotton infected with nematodes. Replicated tests were established in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and South Carolina. An independent University or Extension scientist conducted each test. The harpin proteins were applied to cottonseed (EBC-151ST and EBC-152) and to foliage (EBC-351A) at two weeks after the two-leaf stage of cotton variety PM1218. All plants were grown in a greenhouse or growth room environment. At planting, each pot was inoculated with 2,000 eggs of M. incognita. Trials were terminated at approximately 45 days after initiation. Plant measurements, root galling, numbers of nematode eggs and juveniles were recorded. EBC-151ST and EBC-152 seed treatments and EBC-351A foliar sprays of harpin protein onto cotton averaged less root galling and fewer numbers of M. incognita eggs and juveniles compared with untreated control plants. As with previously reported findings, these results suggest that harpin proteins may beuseful tools in reducing numbers of nematodes infesting cotton.