Plant Defense Mechanisms against Plant Parasitic Nematodes
Gitanjali Devi *
Department of Nematology, SCSCA, Assam Agricultural University, Dhubri-783376, Assam, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) feed on plant tissues and cause yield losses in agricultural crops. PPNs enter the host plant by penetrating host cells and suppress plant defense response. The defense mechanisms in plant may involve a physical barrier, synthesis of anti-nematode compounds, and transcriptional regulation of defense-related genes. Through strengthening their cell walls plants make physical barriers to PPNs attack. PPN attack produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), anti-nematode compounds or secondary metabolites which are lethal to PPNs. Moreover, some metabolites impede hatching; reduce movement or host searching ability; restrict completion of life-cycle. This review highlights the recent findings of plant defense mechanism against PPNs which will be helpful in developing innovative nematode management strategies and improve food production.
Keywords: Plant-parasitic nematodes, plant defense system, reactive oxygen species, plant defense-related genes, plant anti-nematode compounds, PRRs, PAMPs