The response of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, to a Brassinosteroid

The second stage juveniles (J,) of Meloidogyne incognita were exposed, in vitro, to ten concentrations (ranging from 0.0001 ppm to 3.5 ppm) of Brassinolide (BI), a brassinosteroid, for 48 hours. There was no significant mortality or apparent adverse effect on the juvenile vigrour as compared to the control. The treated juveniles were allowed to develop on tomato seedlings in pots. The juveniles treated with low concentrations of Brassinolide (BI) resulted in more galls and egg masses when examined after 32 days. However in higher concentrations the galls and egg masses were fewer. Randomly picked plants after 45 days showed the similar trend.