Plants have evolved in diverse ecologies interacting with other organisms such as microbes and arthropods often in a complex manner and involve chemical communication. The chemically mediated interactions involving mainly secondary metabolites both above- and below-ground, have been exploited in the manipulation of herbivore behavior. Roots constitute the primary pathway of plant nutrient and water acquisition for successful growth and development; yet few studies have focused on below-ground interactions mostly relating to herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) and plant benefits through recruitment of natural enemies of herbivorous insects. We extend similar study of chemical signaling in root-knot nematodes (RKNs; <i>Meloidogyne</i> spp.), an economically important plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs). Specifically, we sought to establish whether olfactory cues modulate hostplant seeking behavior in RKNs. This presentation will highlight the application of chemical ecology to understand and identify semiochemicals modulating RKN interactions with solanaceous plants and exploitation of this knowledge for biorational management of RKNs.

Semiochemicals as biorational tools in the management of root knot nematodes

254th National Meeting (2017)

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