Microplate bioassay to examine the effects of grapevine-isolated stilbenoids on survival of root knot nematodes

Authors: Wallis, Christopher

Submitted to: BMC Research Notes
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/25/2022
Publication Date: 6/25/2022
Citation: Wallis, C.M. 2022. Microplate bioassay to examine the effects of grapevine-isolated stilbenoids on survival of root knot nematodes. BMC Research Notes. 15. Article 220. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-022-06106-z.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-022-06106-z

Interpretive Summary: Root knot nematodes are major pests of grapevines that are managed by the use of resistant rootstocks. However, the mechanism(s) that these rootstocks possess to reduce root knot nematode infections are unknown. Therefore, experiments were conducted to determine whether grapevine-produced compounds called stilbenoids impact root knot nematode survival. e-viniferin at 10 ppm and a combination of resveratrol tetramers above 2.5 ppm reduced survival of the nematodes in a plate bioassay. Results suggests a potential role of these compounds in imparting rootstock resistance to root knot nematodes, which is a trait that could be targeted in breeding efforts to incorporate nematode resistance in grapevine rootstocks.

Technical Abstract: Root knot nematodes can be major pests in vineyards and cause significant yield losses over time. Control includes the use of nematode-resistant grapevine rootstocks, but it remains unclear the mechanism(s) that such rootstocks possess to limit root knot nematode infections. Defense-associated compounds called stilbenoids, a type of phenolic compound, are present in relatively substantial amounts in grapevine root tissues. Therefore, experiments were performed to determine whether different stilbenoid compounds impact nematode survival in microplate assays. Percentage of surviving root knot nematodes was assessed one, three, and five days after J2 juveniles were placed into microplate wells amended with 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5, or 10 ppm of piceid, e-viniferin, a resveratrol trimer putatively identified as miyabenol C, or a putative mixture of resveratrol tetramers putatively identified as vitisin B and hopeaphenol. e-viniferin at 10 ppm and the resveratrol tetramers as low as 2.5 ppm significantly reduced root knot survival when compared to controls. These data provide insight about one potential mechanism that grapevine rootstocks might possess to combat nematodes.