An insight into the expression profile of defence-related genes in compatible and incompatible Oryza sativa-Meloidogyne graminicola interaction

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the
comparative parasitic ability of root-knot nematode (RKN:
Meloidogyne graminicola) in putatively resistant (Suraksha)
and susceptible (Pusa 1121) cultivars of rice and to analyse
the relative expression level of plant defence genes upon
RKN infection in these cultivars. qRT-PCR analyses of RKNinfected roots and their corresponding shoots indicated
that phytohormone-mediated host defences were activated
during early infection in both susceptible and resistant
plants, whereas it was apparently suppressed during later
stage of infection in susceptible plants. Expression of
defence genes in the shoot tissues of resistant plants
suggested the successful induction of systemic acquired
resistance. In parallel, lignin- and callose-mediated plant
basal defence was activated in Suraksha. Information
generated on the RKN-induced expression of defence
genes in different rice varieties can be exploited to improve
resistance in cultivated species of rice to RKN infection.