Question

How has the use of \textit{Agrobacterium as vector helped in controlling \textit{Meloidogyne incognita} infestation in tobacco plants? Explain in correct sequence.}

Hint:

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biotechnological tool that uses double-stranded RNA to silence specific genes, providing resistance against pests like nematodes.

Answer 1

A tobacco plant is transformed with a nematode-specific gene via \textit{Agrobacterium tumefaciens}. This induces the plant to produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), triggering RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi subsequently silences critical genes in \textit{Meloidogyne incognita}, leading to a decrease in infestation and damage.