Effect of steroidal glycoalkaloids on hatch and reproduction of the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida
Steroidal glycoalkaloids (SGAs) are phytoanticipins found in solanaceous crops that act as the first line of chemical defense against pathogen attacks. Solanum sisymbriifolium, a trap crop for potato cyst nematodes, has been shown to effectively reduce populations of Globodera pallida. Solanum sisymbriifolium contains α- solamargine and other solasodine type glycoalkaloids that may contribute to plant defenses. The current study evaluated the influence of solanaceous SGAs on G. pallida hatch, development, and reproduction. Exposure to α- solamargine and α- solamarine reduced G. pallida hatch by 65 % and 87 % respectively. Exposure of G. pallida cysts with the glycoalkaloids α- solamargine and solasodine significantly reduced infection in susceptible potato Russet Burbank by 98 and 94 % compared to the control. Exposure of cysts to either solasodine or solamargine significantly reduced reproduction of G. pallida on Russet Burbank by 99 % compared to the control. The study demonstrated the deleterious effect of SGAs on G. pallida hatch, infection, and reproduction.