Biochar-amended potting medium reduces the susceptibility of rice to root-knot nematode infections.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Biochar is a solid coproduct of biomass pyrolysis, and soil amended with biochar has been shown to enhance the productivity of various crops and induce systemic plant resistance to fungal pathogens. The aim of this study was to explore the ability of wood biochar to induce resistance to the root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne graminicola in rice (Oryza sativa cv. Nipponbare) and examine its histochemical and molecular impact on plant defense mechanisms.

Results

A 1.2 % concentration of biochar added to the potting medium of rice was found to be the most effective at reducing nematode development in rice roots, whereas direct toxic effects of biochar exudates on nematode viability, infectivity or development were not observed. The increased plant resistance was as

SUBMITTER: Huang WK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4632470 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature