Slug herbivory induces systemic redox and volatile responses in cabbage that drive chemotaxis of slug-parasitic nematodes

Laznik, Žiga (author), Križman, Mitja (author), Senekovič, Jan (author), Trdan, Stanislav (author), Urbanek Krajnc, Andreja (author)

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.

• Language: English
• Keywords: Brassica oleracea, slug herbivory, Arion vulgaris, Deroceras reticulatum, volatile organic compounds, ascorbate–glutathione system, oxidative stress, photosynthetic pigments, chemotaxis, slug-parasitic nematodes
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: BF - Biotechnical Faculty
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2026
• Number of pages: 21 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 16, iss. 3, art. 350
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-179111
• UDC: 632
• ISSN on article: 2073-4395
• DOI: 10.3390/agronomy16030350
• COBISS.SI-ID: 267378691
• Publication date in RUL: 05.02.2026

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Agronomy
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2073-4395
• COBISS.SI-ID: 522953241

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: biotično varstvo rastlin, polži, biotično zatiranje, nematode, entomopatogene ogorčice