Researchers discover key link in understanding billion-dollar pests in agriculture
Tuesday, September 29, 2015 - 13:00
in Biology & Nature
Invisible to the naked eye, plant-parasitic nematodes are a huge threat to agriculture, causing billions in crop losses every year. Researchers have now found the first genetic evidence linking one method these animals use to attack plants; they proved that nematodes use a specialized hormone to help them feed. This research could allow plant scientists to develop plants with enhanced resistance to these devastating agricultural pests.