Interaction of Meloidogyne incognita and Pseudomonas syringae pv. aptata in different types of soil on plant growth, photosynthetic pigments and proline contents of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)

Effect of Meloidogyne incognita and Pseudomonas syringae pv. aptata (Psa) was observed singly, together and pre and post inoculations in 4 soil types on plant growth parameters, chlorophyll, carotenoid and proline contents of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.). Plant growth, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were greater in loam soil followed by 20% fly ash soil, 10% fly ash plus 10% sand amended soil and least in 20 % sand mix soil. However, proline contents were high in 20% sand mix soil and least in loam soil. Plant growth (root dry weight), chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were reduced in plants inoculated with any test pathogen while proline contents were increased in plants inoculated with pathogens under study. Inoculation of both pathogens together caused a greater reduction of plant growth, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents than their individual inoculation. Inoculation of M. incognita 20 days prior to Psa resulted in greatest reduction in plant growth, chlorophyll and carotenoid and maximum proline contents. Inoculation of Psa with M. incognita reduced galling and nematode multiplication while prior inoculation of Psa caused maximum reduction in galling and nematode multiplication. Galling and nematode multiplication was high in 20% sand mix soil followed by loam soil and least in 20% fly ash amended soil. Bacterial leaf spot indices by Psa was 3 when alone. Disease indices were 5 when Psa was inoculated with M. incognita. Prior inoculation of M. incognita predisposed beetroots to Psa and aggravates the disease. Influence of M. incognita, Psa and their interactions in different soil types on various studied parameters in diseased plants was demonstrated by Principal component analysis. [Display omitted] •Effect of Meloidogyne incognita and Pseudomonas syringae pv. aptata (Psa) was observed in four soil types on beetroot (Beta vulgaris L).•Plant growth, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were greater in loam soil and least in 20 % sand mix soil while proline contents were high in 20% sand mix soil.•Greatest reduction in plant growth, chlorophyll and carotenoid were observed when M. incognita was inoculated 20 days prior to Psa.•Galling and nematode multiplication was high in 20% sand mix soil least in 20% fly ash amended soil.