LIFE SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Meloidogyne incognita that is a root infecting nematode. It is also called as southern root knot nematode. The parasitic nematode has numerous plant hosts including tobacco. It also usually attack roots of tobacco & many other host plants.

Detailed explanation-2: -The root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne incognita reproduces on the roots of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), damaging crops, reducing crop yield, and causing economic losses annually. The development of resistant genotypes is an alternative strategy to effectively control these losses.

Detailed explanation-3: -Meloidogyne incognita–induced galls on the tap root and lateral roots can disrupt the normal flow of water and nutrients to the leaves and developing bolls thereby reducing cotton growth and yield (Bird, 1970; Bird and Loveys, 1975; McClure, 1977; Kirkpatrick et al., 1991).

Detailed explanation-4: -A nematode Meloidogyne incognita infects the roots of tobacco plants and causes a great reduction in yield. A novel strategy was adopted to prevent this infestation which was based on the process of RNA interference (RNAi). Using Agrobacterium vectors, nematode-specific genes were introduced into the host plant.