How Does Meloidogyne Infection Affect Plant Histology?
The infection process begins when a second-stage juvenile (J2) Meloidogyne penetrates the root epidermis. Upon entering, the nematode migrates intracellularly through the root cortex to the vascular cylinder. During this migration, it secretes [effector proteins](#) that manipulate plant cells, causing various histological changes:
- Cortical Cell Death: Cells in the cortex may undergo necrosis due to mechanical damage and enzyme secretion by the nematode. - Starch Accumulation: Infected cells often accumulate starch granules, which can be observed through histological staining techniques. - Increase in Phenolic Compounds: There is often an increase in phenolic compounds as a plant defense response, which can be visualized using specific histochemical stains.
