20.500.12556/RUL-179111 Slug herbivory induces systemic redox and volatile responses in cabbage that drive chemotaxis of slug-parasitic nematodes Slug herbivory is an important but poorly explored driver of plant defence and belowground multitrophic interactions. This study examined how aboveground feeding by Arion vulgaris and Deroceras reticulatum affects oxidative status, photosynthetic pigments, and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), and whether these changes influence slug-parasitic nematodes. Slug feeding induced strong oxidative stress in leaves and roots, reflected by depletion of total ascorbate and glutathione contents and increased proportions of their oxidized forms, indicating a systemic redox imbalance. Photosynthetic pigments were also markedly affected, characterized by decreased chlorophylls and carotenoids and activation of the xanthophyll cycle towards more zeaxanthin, particularly in plants attacked by D. reticulatum. Headspace SPME–GC–MS analysis revealed tissue-specific, herbivory-induced shifts in VOC profiles. Based on these changes, three VOCs—3-phenylpropionitrile, allyl isothiocyanate, and 2-hexenal—were selected for chemotaxis assays. Behavioural experiments showed that VOC identity and nematode species markedly influenced motility and chemotactic responses. Phasmarhabditis papillosa exhibited the strongest attraction to 3-phenylpropionitrile, whereas allyl isothiocyanate acted as a weak repellent to P. papillosa, Oscheius myriophilus, and Oscheius onirici. In contrast, 2-hexenal elicited no consistent directional response. These results demonstrate that slug herbivory alters cabbage metabolism and volatile signalling, shaping species-specific nematode behaviour and highlighting its potential for sustainable slug management. Brassica oleracea slug herbivory Arion vulgaris Deroceras reticulatum volatile organic compounds ascorbate–glutathione system oxidative stress photosynthetic pigments chemotaxis slug-parasitic nematodes biotično varstvo rastlin polži biotično zatiranje nematode entomopatogene ogorčice true false true Angleški jezik Slovenski jezik Članek v reviji 2026-02-05 10:29:04 2026-02-05 10:29:10 2026-02-06 04:53:00 0000-00-00 00:00:00 2026 0 0 21 str. iss. 3, art. 350 Vol. 16 2026 0000-00-00 Zaloznikova Objavljeno NiDoloceno 0000-00-00 0000-00-00 0000-00-00 632 2073-4395 10.3390/agronomy16030350 267378691 https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/16/3/350 1 080e91b8-0275-11f1-a1ba-0050569b8976 https://repozitorij.uni-lj.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=227267 agronomy-16-00350.pdf agronomy-16-00350.pdf 1 4CB4935F00A76B1571C7AC515284A3C7 340a32b042d7dadaf7868e4a2451d7ac54a413ebe566f92f82e6c9d080b0f78c 580df59a-0275-11f1-a1ba-0050569b8976 https://repozitorij.uni-lj.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=227269 Biotehniška fakulteta 0 0 0