The Role of the Shikimate and the Phenylpropanoid Pathways in Root-Knot Nematode Infection

Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes are costly burdens to crop production because of their intricate relationship with the host plants, wide host range, and the level of postinfection damage. Limitations on the use of chemical pesticides have brought increasing attention in studies on alternative methods for nematode control. Among the strategies of nonchemical nematode management is the identification and implementation of host resistance. Plant resistance involves the production of morphological barriers to prevent pathogens from entry into host cells or may include the synthesis of certain biochemicals that interfere with the subsequent development of pathogens. Among plant biochemical responses to infection is the synthesis of important and diverse compounds from the shikimate and the phenylpropanoid pathways. Many of these compounds are bioactive, playing important roles in defense against biotic and abiotic tresses. This review gathers information from across a large body of studies focusing on the role of the shikimate and the phenylpropanoid pathways in plant-nematode interactions.