Impact of bioagents on biochemical and elemental composition of mulberry foliage infested with root-knot nematode

Abstract

Mulberry is a pivotal crop for sericulture and optimizing its nutritional quality is essential for sustainable industry growth. This study investigated the impact of bioagents, viz., Purpureocillium lilacinum, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, Pochonia chlamydosporia and Pseudomonas fluorescens, on the biochemical and elemental composition of mulberry foliage under severe root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) infestation. The treatments, also including carbofuran 3G and neem cake, aimed to mitigate nematode-induced stress while enhancing leaf nutritional quality. Results revealed that bioagents applied @ 5 kg/ha significantly augmented leaf moisture content, total chlorophyll, carbohydrate, protein, crude fibre, ash and elemental (macro- and micronutrient) contents. This study underscores the potential of bioagents in fostering environmentally sustainable and economically viable sericulture by optimizing mulberry leaf nutritional quality.