Benzothiadiazole and nitrogen source modify the nitrogen metabolism in cucumber infected with Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans

Summary

This horticultural study investigated the interactive effects of the plant defence elicitor benzothiadiazole and nitrogen source (inorganic form) on nitrogen metabolism in cucumber plants challenged with the bacterial leaf spot pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans. The work suggests that modulating nitrogen nutrition alongside chemical defence priming may alter plant metabolic responses to infection, potentially affecting both disease resistance and crop nutrient composition. The research contributes to understanding how agronomy and plant protection practices interact at the metabolic level.

Regional applicability

Cucumber is widely grown in protected cultivation in the United Kingdom. Findings on nitrogen and defence elicitor interactions would be directly applicable to UK glasshouse and polytunnel production, particularly where bacterial diseases threaten crop quality and yield.

Key measures

Nitrogen metabolism parameters (likely including nitrate reductase activity, amino acid composition, protein content), pathogen symptom severity, and bacterial titre or lesion area

Outcomes reported

The study examined how benzothiadiazole (a plant defence elicitor) and different nitrogen sources (likely nitrate vs. ammonium) modified nitrogen metabolism pathways in cucumber plants infected with the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans. Outcomes likely included measurements of nitrogen-related enzymes, amino acid profiles, and disease severity indicators.

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