摘要
Plant parasitic nematodes are microscopic round worms that cause substantial damage to global agriculture,leading to an estimated$150 billion in annual losses(Nicol et al.,2011).Among these nematodes,root-knot nematodes(RKNs)(Meloidogyne spp.)are particularly destructive due to their broad host range,affecting over 2000 plant species worldwide.RKNs establish specialized feeding structures called giant cells within the vasculature of host roots.Once these giant cells are formed,the nematodes become sedentary for the rest of their life cycle.Giant cells provide nematodes with essential nutrients required for their growth and development.These cells are enriched with organelles such as mitochondria,endoplasmic reticulum,and plastids,supporting the nematode’s metabolic needs.The formation of giant cells disrupts normal root function,leading to the characteristic tumor-like galls associated with RKN infection(Lin and Siddique,2024).
