Question

Write the scientific name of the nematode that infects tobacco plants and identify the specific part of the plant that it targets and infects.

Hint:

Meloidogyne incognita is commonly known as the root-knot nematode due to the characteristic swelling or "knots" it produces on the root systems of infected host plants.

Answer 1

Concept: Certain parasitic roundworms targets important agricultural crops, leading to lower yields. Understanding host-parasite interactions is important for creating targeted pest-management techniques like RNA interference (RNAi).

Step 1: Identifying the specific nematode parasite and its target organs.
The nematode that specifically infests tobacco plants, causing a large drop in crop production, is scientifically classified as {Meloidogyne incognita.
• This parasitic organism targets and infects the roots of the tobacco plant.
• Once inside the root system, it induces the formation of characteristic root-knot galls, which disrupts the regular absorption and translocation of essential water and structural nutrients throughout the plant.