Japanese Researchers Discover Phytol as Agent for Root-Knot Nematode Resistance

A team of Japanese researchers found that phytol, a constituent of chlorophyll, has inhibitory effects on the root invasion of root-knot nematodes (RKN). The study, published in Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions (MPMI),  could lead to creating eco-friendly agrochemicals for nematode control.

Phytol is known to be present in almost all photosynthetic organisms but its role in plant defense is yet to be explored. To know more about its role in nematode resistance, the researchers inoculated the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana with RKN and observed an accumulation of phytol on its roots. The researchers applied sclareol to the roots of the plant to boost signal transduction pathways leading to an increase in phytol contents in its root. They observed an increase in the gene expression of VTE5, a gene involved in tocopherol production, in its roots for more induction of RKN resistance.

For more details, read the article in MPMI Journal.