Unraveling the Role of Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds in Chilli Resistance to Root Knot Nematodes

Author: G. Santhosh, R. Umamaheshwari, K.S. Shivashankara, Naresh Ponnam, D.C. Lakshman Reddy, Tammireddy Anjali, D.K. Nayak and B.K. Dash

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Abstract

Root knot nematodes (RKN) pose a significant threat to chilli production, leading to huge yield and economic loss worldwide. The management of root-knot nematodes is still a serious concern due to their wide diversity of species and host range. Host plant resistance is the most viable and eco-friendly strategy. By considering all these aspect the present experiment was conducted to investigate the phenolic and flavonoid profiles of resistant chilli lines in response to RKN infection. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis (LCMS) was performed to quantify and compare the levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in resistant breeding lines (ACRIL 70 and ACRIL 90) and susceptible varieties (Arka Mohini and Arka Suphal). The results revealed that the resistant lines exhibited higher production of phenolic and flavonoid compounds compared to the susceptible varieties. ACRIL 70 displayed the highest levels of salicylic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, and paracoumaric acid. Furthermore, epicatechin and catechin were found to be the predominant flavonoids in ACRIL 70. These findings suggested that phenolic and flavonoid-based biochemical compounds play a crucial role in conferring resistance to RKN in chilli lines. In nutshell, these resistance lines with traits associated with RKN resistance can be used for developing resistance chilli varieties by using breeding programmes. Understanding these defense mechanisms can contribute to the development of novel strategies for enhancing nematode resistance in chilli cultivation.

Keywords

Chilli, flavonoids, gallic acid, LCMS analysis, root knot nematode, phenolic compounds

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study on the phenolic and flavonoid content in resistant and susceptible chilli varieties exposed to root knot nematode infection provides important insights into the mechanisms of resistance against these destructive pests. The results clearly demonstrate that resistant RILs, particularly ACRIL 70, exhibited significantly higher production of phenolic and flavonoid compounds compared to the susceptible varieties. Salicylic acid emerged as a key player, with ACRIL 70 showing the highest concentrations of this compound in the inoculated roots. Other phenolic compounds, including caffeic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, and paracoumaric acid, were also found to contribute to the resistance. Furthermore, our findings underscore the significance of flavonoids, such as epicatechin and catechin, in the defense response of the resistant RILs. Conversely, the susceptible varieties exhibited reduced phenolic and flavonoid production upon nematode infection. Overall, this research highlights the importance of phenolic and flavonoid-based biochemical activity in conferring resistance against root knot nematodes in chilli plants. The results provide a basis for further exploration of the genetic and molecular mechanisms involved and suggest potential strategies for developing nematode-resistant crop varieties through targeted enhancement of these compounds.

References

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How to cite this article

G. Santhosh, R. Umamaheshwari, K.S. Shivashankara, Naresh Ponnam, D.C. Lakshman Reddy, Tammireddy Anjali, D.K. Nayak and B.K. Dash (2022). Unraveling the Role of Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds in Chilli Resistance to Root Knot Nematodes. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4): 1315-1320.