Meloidogyne javanica parasitism and its impacts on the vegetative parameters, physicochemical composition, and antioxidant potential of beet

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of infestation by Meloidogyne javanica on the vegetative development, nutritional characteristics, and antioxidant potential of beet (Beta vulgaris). Inoculation in beet seedlings was performed with 0, 1,000, 2,500, 5,000, and 10,000 eggs and with possible second-stage juveniles (J2) of nematodes. Plants were collected 60 days after inoculation for the evaluation of the nematological and vegetative parameters, the physicochemical composition, and the content and activity of antioxidant compounds. The population levels of M. javanica reduced the mass and diameter of the tuber, comparing inoculum levels of 0 and 10,000 eggs + J2 of nematodes. There was a significant difference for the number of galls and nematodes per root system, with a proportional increase of population density according to the inoculation level. The reproduction factor in all infected treatments was above 1. Although the infection by M. javanica reduced the plant protein content, other compounds, such as betalains, sugars, and phenolics, were not affected. The inoculation by M. javanica negatively affects tuber development, but does not alter the antioxidant potential of beet.