Inter-species variability of root-knot nematode infection dynamics through the simultaneous monitoring of both pathogen and host development

Root-knot nematodes (RKN) cause significant crop yield losses worldwide. However, significant variations in the extent of damage are observed both within and among species. In this study, three economically important plant species in Mediterranean agriculture were selected based on their contrasting susceptibility to RKN infection. Infection dynamics were compared by simultaneously monitoring the development of both the pathogen and the host over two consecutive nematode generations. The resulting data confirmed pronounced differences in symptom expression, particularly during the second cycle. To identify potential sources of the observed variations in host susceptibility, a broad range of functional and architectural plant traits were studied through an integrated experimental-modelling approach. The results suggest that the higher susceptibility of tomato plants may result from the combined effects of reduced photosynthetic capacity and increased hydraulic sensitivity associated with small root diameter. Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying plant tolerance to RKN, offering valuable guidance for plant breeding programs and for designing management strategies that sustain crop productivity while limiting prevent long-term soil infestation.