Question

Root-lesion nematodes causing serious damage to tea and coffee are
(A) Pratylenchus loosi
(B) Pratylenchus coffeae
(C) Pratylenchus zeae
(D) Pratylenchus thornei
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (A), (C) and (D) only
• C. (A) and (B) only
• D. (B) and (D) only

Hint:

Link the species names to their hosts: P. coffeae is named after coffee, and P. loosi is a well-known limit to tea production in major Asian tea plantations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Root-lesion nematodes (genus Pratylenchus) are migratory endoparasites.
They enter the root cortex, feeding on plant cells and causing necrotic lesions that weaken the roots and leave them susceptible to secondary fungal or bacterial pathogens.
Detailed Explanation:
- (A) Pratylenchus loosi: This species is a major parasite of tea (Camellia sinensis), causing severe root necrosis and reducing yield in tea-growing regions.
- (B) Pratylenchus coffeae: This species has a wide host range and is highly destructive to coffee plantations, where it causes coffee decline, as well as to tea, citrus, and banana crops.
- (C) Pratylenchus zeae: This species primarily infests monocots, such as maize, sugarcane, and upland rice.
- (D) Pratylenchus thornei: This species is associated with damage to wheat, chickpeas, and other grain legumes.
Therefore, the species that present major agricultural challenges in tea and coffee plantations are Pratylenchus loosi and Pratylenchus coffeae.

Step 2: Final Answer:
The correct combination is (A) and (B) only, corresponding to option (3).