Impact of nematode infestation on nutritional quality of some underground vegetables in Pakistan

During the present investigation the nutritional quality of underground vegetables infected by root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) was evaluated. It was observed that physiological and biochemical changes occurred due to the invasion of root-knot nematodes in the studied vegetables. Results show that there was a significant difference in root-knot development and reproduction in infected and un-infected host plants. Data indicates that highest reproduction rate and root-knot index was observed in vegetable plants infected with root-knot nematodes after three months as compared to un-infected (control). The physiological parameters as well as biochemical contents showed significant difference in different growth criteria and amount of nutrients between infected host plants as compared to un-infected plants (control). Growth parameters of studied vegetable plants viz., fresh and dry weight and water content were decreased by the infection of root-knot nematode as compared to un-infected (control) plants. Similarly root-knot nematode decreased the host nutrients contents viz., total carbohydrates, total soluble sugars, total protein, total phenols and amino acids. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids also decreased in nematode infected plants as compared to control. This study gave the fair report towards nutritional quality because no significant work has been done so far on this aspect in Pakistan.