nematode-control
Nematode control refers to strategies and methods used to manage plant-parasitic nematodes, microscopic roundworms that infect plant roots and disrupt water and nutrient uptake. These soil-dwelling pests cause significant crop losses worldwide, making effective control essential for agricultural productivity and plant health. Research in this area explores biological, chemical, and genetic approaches to protect plants from nematode damage while minimizing environmental impact.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-05-01
Scientists have identified specific sugar-transport genes in root-knot nematodes that the parasites use at different life stages to invade plant roots and steal nutrients, opening new avenues for targeted crop protection.
Two SWEET genes (Mi-SWEET2 and Mi-SWEET4) drive root invasion in juvenile nematodes — knocking them down reduced invasion success.
Three other SWEET genes (Mi-SWEET3, 5, and 7) are required for post-invasion growth and nutrient uptake; silencing them stunted nematode development inside the root.
A regulatory chain was identified: the microRNA let-7 controls the transcription factor HBL1, which in turn controls Mi-SWEET3 expression, revealing a three-layer molecular switch governing parasite feeding.