TU Plant health 2.0: a global war.

Spying on the enemy

On November 23, Professor Diana Fernandez showed us the life cycle of a microscopic organism that damages crops around the world, starting with rice. Nematodes are parasitic worms that settle in plant roots and can cause the loss of approximately 20 to 30% of production. It is therefore important to identify resistant plant varieties to reduce their impact.

We had the opportunity to study the behavior of these worms in susceptible and resistant rice, as well as in papaya, by observing root sections under a microscope. We enjoyed the intense purple and pink colors that formed microscopic works of art. We then drew them, identifying everything we observed.

We have learned that when varieties are susceptible, nematodes grow by feeding on giant cells, whereas when they are resistant, the plant prevents nematodes from entering and feeding by destroying the giant cells (see photos below). It should also be noted that environmental conditions determine the sex of these worms: under favorable conditions, the parasite produces only females in order to promote highly efficient asexual reproduction through parthenogenesis.

What is a Non-Core teaching unit?

This is an introductory course to a new discipline, allowing our students to develop multidisciplinary knowledge aimed at encouraging critical thinking and scientific inquiry.

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