Review nematodes in tea cultivation: pathogenesis and plant défense responses
2025
G. Sharma | R. Routh | A. Chhetri | G. Barman
Purpose. To identify the complex relationship between tea plants and important plant-parasitic nematodes, focusing on the severe damage these pests inflict on roots, as well as the sophisticated defense strategies employed by tea plants, particularly their synthesis of protective secondary metabolites to combat nematode attacks Results. Plant-parasitic nematodes pose a serious economic danger to Camellia sinensis, the world's most important tea crop, resulting in yield losses of 11–55% and up to $1 billion yearly. Stunting, wilting, and decreased tea output are caused by around 80 nematode species that harm roots, including Pratylenchus, Radopholus, Meloidogyne, and Hemicriconemoides. Due to their immobility, tea plants have developed complex defense mechanisms. These include the formation of nematicidal secondary metabolites (polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenoids), systemic signaling pathways triggered by phytohormones (ethylene, jasmonate, and salicylic acid) that activate defense genes, and physical barriers such as lignin and suberin in cell walls. Nematode control is also aided by beneficial soil bacteria. Conclusions. For sustainable management, it is essential to comprehend relationships. In order to secure the economic future of the tea business, future research should take advantage of natural defences to improve integrated pest control
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Directory of Open Access Journals