<i>Bacillus velezensis</i> <scp>RKN1111</scp> induced <scp> <i>CsHPD</i> </scp> upregulation confers resistance of cucumber ( <i>Cucumis sativus</i> <scp>L</scp> .) to <i>Meloidogyne incognita</i>

We demonstrate that Bacillus velezensis RKN1111 induces cucumber resistance by activating the host gene CsHPD and enhancing α-tocotrienol biosynthesis. Functional validation assays confirmed that CsHPD and α-tocotrienol suppress infection by M. incognita. These findings uncover a previously unknown microbe-induced metabolic defense pathway and provide a promising genetic target for breeding nematode-resistant cucumbers. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.