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Research on Crops

Impact of Meloidogyne javanica infection on nutrient element accumulation in sweet potato cultivar ‘Blesbok’ 

DOI: 10.31830/2348-7542.2025.ROC-1179    | Article Id: ROC-1179 | Page : 690-697
Citation :- Impact of Meloidogyne javanica infection on nutrient element accumulation in sweet potato cultivar ‘Blesbok’. Res. Crop. 26: 690-697
P. W. MASHELA AND K. M. POFU Phatu.mashela@ul.ac.za
Address : University of Limpopo, Green Biotechnologies Research Centre of Excellence, Department of Plant Production, Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering, Private BagX1106, Sovenga 0727 South Africa
Submitted Date : 15-03-2025
Accepted Date : 11-12-2025
Online Published:

Abstract

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a valuable staple crop rich in essential nutrients such as iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca). However, root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), particularly Meloidogyne javanica (Treub) Chitwood, pose a significant threat to its productivity by affecting nutrient uptake. Despite the global prevalence of M. javanica, there is inconsistent information on its impact on the nutrient composition of sweet potato leaves. This study aimed to assess the response of selected nutrient elements (Ca, K, Mg, Fe, and Zn) in the leaf tissues of sweet potato cultivar ′Blesbok' infected by M. javanica at the University of Limpopo, South Africa, using a randomized complete block design with six replications. Seven M. javanica inoculation levels (0, 5, 25, 125, 625, 3125, and 15,625 eggs + second-stage juveniles (J2) were applied to the sweet potato plants. Nutrient element concentrations in the leaves were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry after a microwave digestion process. Independent variables (x-axis) were log-transformed for normality and subjected to analysis of variance, with multiple regression analysis performed. Negative quadratic relationships were observed for Ca, K, Mg and Fe, with inhibited concentrations at low nematode densities and stimulated ones at higher levels. However, Zn responded with a positive quadratic trend, indicating gradual decline under lower nematode stress. Optimal levels of Ca, K, Mg and Fe occurred at lower nematode population densities, whereas Zn accumulation peaked at higher infestation levels. In conclusion, the study confirmed that M. javanica infection disrupts nutrient accumulation in sweet potato, leading to nematode density-specific responses. Managing nematode population densities to lower levels may help to maintain optimal nutrient concentrations. The findings provide insights into the nutritional impact of nematode infections and can inform integrated nematode management strategies for sustainable sweet potato production.

Keywords

Meloidogyne javanica nematode infection nutrient uptake plant nutrition root-knot nematodes sweet potato

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