TU Plant Health 2.0: A Global War.

Spy 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 crop losses of about 20 to 30%. It is therefore important to identify resistant plant varieties to reduce their impact.

We had the opportunity to study the behavior of these nematodes in susceptible and resistant rice, as well as in papaya, by examining root sections under a microscope. We were captivated by 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; when they are resistant, the plant prevents the nematodes from entering and feeding by destroying the giant cells (see photos below). It is also worth noting that environmental conditions determine the sex of these worms: under favorable conditions, the parasite produces only females to promote highly efficient asexual reproduction via parthenogenesis.

What is a non-core course?

This is an introductory course in a new field, designed to help our students develop multidisciplinary knowledge that fosters critical thinking and the scientific method.

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