Induction of Resistance in Eggplant (Solanum melongena) by Salicylic Acid against Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

An experiment was conducted to induce resistance in eggplant (Solanum melongena) cv. Pusa Purple Long against Root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. The Salicylic acid (SA) was applied by foliar spray and bare root-dip at concentration of 25, 50, 100 and 200 ?g/ml. The significant reduction in number of root galls, egg masses and overall population of RKN was observed when compared to untreated inoculated plants. The maximum suppression of RKN reproduction was observed at 200 ?g/ml followed by 100 ?g/ml in both the methods of application. The study results indicated significant increase in plant growth parameters of eggplant after application SA. Overall root dip method was found better than foliar spray. The increase in peroxidase(PO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzymes across the period of 24, 48, 72 and 96 h w.r.t. to control was also observed as both these enzymes are associated with resistance responses against nematodes and other pathogens in several crops supporting the induction of resistance.