Chemical and biological induction of resistance to the clover cyst nematode (Heterodera trifolii) in white clover (Trifolium repens)

Abstract

Possible induction of resistance to the clover cyst nematode, Heterodera trifolii, in white clover, Trifolium repens, by application of two chemical inducers and of soil-borne Pseudomonas-like spp. and Bacillus cereus was investigated. Salicylic acid and benzo(1,2,3)thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid-S-methyl ester, applied as a root drench in growth cabinet soil bioassays, affected development of H. trifolii in cvs Haifa and Grasslands Huia. Treatments reduced fecundity of the nematodes, increasing the proportions of distorted females and of females with fewer eggs compared to water-treated controls. Application of pectinolytic fluorescent pseudomonad strains P29 and P80, and B. cereus strain B1, induced a response similar to that resulting from the chemical induction. Both live and dead cells of P29, but not cell-free culture filtrate, induced these effects on H. trifolii. A non-pectinolytic, fluorescent pseudomonad, strain P37, had no effect. From the nature of the responses, it is concluded that the effects of both the chemical and bacterial agents have similarities to resistance. From the timing of applications and known properties of both agents, these effects seem similar to induced systemic resistance.