Response of mineral malnutrition elements in African ginger pseudo-stems to nematode infection

摘要

Interference of nematode infection with mineral malnutrition (MMN) elements in biofortificated cultigens could devalue the health potential of such crops for humans. A pot trial was conducted to determine the response of selected MMN elements in African ginger (Siphonochilus aethiopicus) pseudo-stems to the southern root-knot (Meloidogyne incognita) nematode. Fifty-six days after inoculation, the sensitivity of the pseudo-stems to nematode infection was confirmed, with 23-45% reduced potassium in pseudo-stem tissues, but had no effect on other MMN elements. In conclusion, population densities of M. incognita race 2 should be managed to enhance the potential uses of S. aethiopicus as a biofortification crop.