These translucent, multicellular worm-like organisms have both parasitic and free-living lifestyles — When we typically think of worms, we think of the squirmy creatures that burrow through mud. Earthworms help break up the soil and benefit plants — but there are other worms, smaller worms, that cause destruction for them. These worms are nematodes. Nematodes are the members of phylum Nematoda of…

Plant immunity consists of dual resistance mechanisms that are qualitative and quantitative in nature. — Phytopathogens impair the normal physiology of their host plants. Microbes feed on plants for growth energy and multiplication. Basically, there are three modes by which pathogens derive nutrients from their host plants to fulfill their energy requirements. Biothrophs feed off the living host tissues of the host while the necrotrophs…

Agriculture is at risk due to climate change especially in South Asia and Latin America. — Agriculture is the backbone of many underdeveloped nations and more than 70% of the people’s livelihood depends on this sector. In South Asian regions like India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Pakistan, the rural community relies on crop production and animal rearing. However, this sector is at…

Geminiviruses replicate inside their host cell nucleus — Geminiviruses are single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ss-DNA) viruses with a genome size of 2.5–5.2 kilobases. They cause severe infections in many crops with heavy yield losses and are transmitted by various insects (whiteflies, leafhoppers, aphids, and treehoppers). The virion morphology of geminiviridae is comparatively uniques to other viral families. They consist…

How microbe soil superheroes are vital in agriculture, thanks to how well they utilize natural resources — Agricultural production relies on plant health and fitness. And, soil health itself serves as a determinant factor for plant health. Soil health plays an essential role in the ability of plants to produce food, fuel, and fiber for the growing human population. The intensive agricultural practices for higher yield contribute…

Soil microbiome is the key regulator of plant health, ecosystem health, and environmental carbon levels. — Soil microbiota — these hidden microbial bodies are the key regulators of ecosystems in various environments. These microbial communities maintain a complex and healthy relationship between soil and plants. They regulate and mediate plant health, growth, development, and, most importantly, production by warding off harmful microbes. The soil microbiome protects…

Why earthworms are known as ecosystem engineers due to their unique abilities — Soil is home to a variety of organisms. It includes microbial communities (fungi, bacteria), worm-like organisms (nematodes), and terrestrial invertebrates (earthworm). Collectively, these organisms maintain soil health and play their role autonomously. Soil physical properties also rely on the activities of its inhabitants. These communities also determine the production potential…

A rise in global temperature may have both direct and indirect impacts on plant soil-feedbacks. — Plants and soils are intricate partners of well being for each other. Plants absorb water and nutrients from the soil, while the soil is home to thousands of microbes. As plants grow, they alter soil biology, interfere with the chemistry of soil microbial communities, which in turn affects plant health…

A surveillance network against biotic and abiotic stresses — One of the biggest differences between plant cells and animal cells? Plant cells have a wall around them. But it’s more than a barrier; it’s a vital part of how plants function and survive. An Overview of Plant Cell Part I: Plant Cell Wall The plant cell wall is the first line of physical defense against all kinds of…