Plant Metabolomics for the control of the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans

Abstract

Pratylenchus penetrans, one of the most detrimental root-lesion nematode species, greatly reduces the production in numerous important agronomic crops (e.g., corn, potato), ornamental plants (e.g., lily, roses) and fruit trees (e.g., almond, cherry orchards). In the EU, P. penetrans has been reported as the most damaging species associated with potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). In Portugal, this species was also detected in potato production fields across the country and often related with their low yield. Plant metabolomics is an emerging approach to the study crop resistance against plant-parasitic nematodes, which can be applied to expedite traditional crop breeding programs and the development of novel pesticides.