Nanobiotechnology-Driven management of Phytonematodes

Abstract

Plant parasitic nematodes are responsible for causing significant damages to various commercial crops. At present, several management strategies are applied such as biological, chemical, organic, cultural, nanobiotechnology to control pathogenic nematodes. Use of nematicides of chemical origin are although effective, on another hand it causes environmental perturbations. The emerging of two novel techniques, nanotechnology and biotechnology has resolved many concerns that prevail with the traditional strategies of nematode managements in plants and environment. Nanotechnology based agricultural systems have developed with a worthy scope to manage phytonematodes using drug-carrier and a controllable drug targeting and releasing system as it can enhance the quality of life and world’s economy. Through advancement in nanotechnology, there are a number of state of-the-art techniques available including applications of several types of nanoparticles as protectants and carriers in the form of ‘nanonematicide’. Several pathogenic phytonematodes are very effectively managed with the means of nanotechnology. Genetic engineering have evolved as a promising field in the management of plant pathogenic nematodes by the means of gene cloning and gene modification of host plants. Various transgenics plants have been developed so far against plant pathogenic nematodes. The key objective of the genetic manipulation would be to control all possible physiological and biological activities of nematode due to the counter effect of host plants by possessing resistance gene/s on the basis of gene for gene concept. There are several proteinase inhibitors genes which have been identified and transferred into host plants to create resistance against pathogenic nematodes. Nematicidal proteins are also considered as “anti-nematode proteins” can directly inhibit the multiplication of pathogenic nematodes. Protein from Bacillus thuringiensis, lectins and some antibodies are regarded as nematicidal proteins. Similarly, other house-keeping genes have been manipulated through RNA interference technique. There are many benefits from the integration of both disciplines i.e. nanotechnology and biotechnology for the management of pathogenic nematodes. Some important issues are yet to be addressed which needs proper and extensive research