Oscillatoria sp. as a Potent Anti-phytopathogenic Agent and Plant Immune Stimulator Against Root-Knot Nematode of Soybean cv. Giza 111

Abstract

BackgroundPlant-parasitic nematodes are one of the major constraints to soybean production around the world. Plant-parasitic nematodes cause an estimated $78 billion in annual crop losses worldwide, with a 10–15% crop yield loss on average. Consequently, finding and applying sustainable methods to control diseases associated with soybean is currently in serious need.MethodsIn this study, we isolated, purified, characterized, and identified a novel cyanobacterial strainOscillatoriasp. (blue-green alga). Based on its microscopic examination and 16S rRNA gene sequence, the aqueous and methanolic extracts ofOscillatoriawere used to test their nematicidal activity againstMeloidogyne incognitahatchability of eggs after 72 h of exposure time and juvenile mortality percentagein vitroafter 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure time and reduction percentage of galls, eggmass, female number/root, and juveniles/250 soil. Also, the efficacy of the extract on improving the plant growth parameter and chlorophyll content under greenhouse conditions on soybean plant cv. Giza 111 was tested. Finally, the expression of PR-1, PR-2, PR-5, and PR15 (encoding enzymes) genes contributing to plant defense in the case ofM. incognitainvasion was studied and treated withOscillatoriaextract.ResultsThe aqueous and methanolic extracts ofOscillatoriasp. had nematicidal activity againstM. incognita. The percentage of mortality and egg hatching ofM. incognitawere significantly increased with the increase of time exposure toOscillatoriaextract 96.7, 97, and 98 larvae mortality % with S concentration after 24, 48, and 72 h of exposure time. The aqueous extract significantly increased the percentage of Root-Knot nematodes (RKN) of egg hatching, compared with Oxamyl and methanol extract at 96.7 and 97% after 72 h and 1 week, respectively. With the same concentration in the laboratory experiment. Furthermore, water extracts significantly reduced the number of galls in soybean root, egg masses, and female/root by 84.1, 87.5, and 92.2%, respectively, as well as the percentage of J2s/250 g soil by 93.7%. Root, shoot lengths, dry weight, number of pods/plant, and chlorophyll content of soybean treated withOscillatoriawater extract were significantly higher than the control increasing by 70.3, 94.1, 95.5, and 2.02%, respectively. The plant defense system's gene expression was tracked using four important pathogenesis-related genes, PR-1, PR-2, PR-5, and PR15, which encode enzymes involved in plant defense.ConclusionsOscillatoriaextract is a potential nematicide against root-knot nematode invasion in soybean.