Biochemical response of resistant and susceptible Capsicum spp. to Meloidogyne enterolobii

One of the most important events for the success of parasitism is the nematode recognition of chemical signals exuded by the host plant. In response to the establishment of interactions, plants have evolved improved defence mechanisms. The present study aimed to identify resistance mechanisms by comparing the biochemical defence response of two chilli pepper (Capsicum spp.) genotypes (Bode roxa A-resistant and Cambuci-susceptible) to Meloidogyne enterolobii. The activity of beta-1,3-glucanase (GLU), peroxidase, chitinase (CHI), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and lipoxygenase (LOX) was evaluated in the leaves and the roots at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after inoculation. There was an increase of GLU and CHI in leaves, and LOX in leaves and roots activities, of the resistant genotype (Bode roxa A). These results allow a better understanding of the defence mechanisms involved in the resistance of Capsicum spp. to M. enterolobii, which is an important step in developing management strategies for this pathosystem.