Physiological changes in leaves of mungbean plants infected with Meloidogyne javanica

Sequential changes induced by the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitwood in mung bean ( Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek cv. MN95) were studied. Physiological and biochemical changes were recorded 15, 30 and 45 days after nematode inoculation. The changes noted varied with the length of exposure to the nematode. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents decreased in nematode-infected plants. Total phenols increased in the leaves compared with the controls for up to 30 days after inoculation. Protein content declined significantly at 30 days after exposure to the nematodes. Amylase activity was enhanced in both the leaves and the stems as compared with the controls. The results suggested that plants responded to the nematode by adopting biochemical strategies to withstand the adverse effects of infection.