Scientists from the University of Tennessee have made a major breakthrough in understanding how tomato plants respond to root-knot nematodes, a parasitic pest that contributes to significant crop losses worldwide.
By gaining insight into the genetic mechanisms behind tomato plants' reaction to nematode infections, researchers can develop genetically modified crops that are resistant to these pests. In turn, this would lead to fewer crop losses, improved yields, more sustainable agriculture, and increased global food security.
Phys.org detailed in a summary provided by Horticulture Research that root-knot nematodes infect numerous crops and are responsible for billions of dollars in crop losses each year.
A report by ICAR - Indian Institute of Vegetable Research found that the plant parasite causes an average of 10% yield losses in vegetable crops and up to 30% in highly vulnerable crops such as tomatoes, eggplants, and melons. Losses can be even more severe in bean crops. The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources reported that serious root-knot infections can reduce bean yields by 45-90%.
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