Some nematode worms consume plant juices from the roots of plants and are economically important agricultural pests. Some fungi are usually decomposers of plant material, but some trap and kill nematodes at times. Arthrobotrys traps and kills nematodes, especially when they lack nitrogen sources. These two facts suggest that farmers could find Arthrobotrys an important tool in combating nematode infestations. Which of the following research questions would make a good starting point for developing such a defense against nematode pests?
A) Does nitrogen fertilization of crops affect the likelihood that Arthrobotrys will trap and kill nematodes?
B) Do nitrogen-fixing bacteria provide nitrogen to the fungi?
C) What is the evolutionarily oldest method of trapping nematodes?
D) What mechanisms do nematodes have that could allow them to escape from Arthrobotrys?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Understanding the relationship between nitrogen fertilization and the activity of Arthrobotrys in trapping and killing nematodes could help in developing strategies to enhance the effectiveness of these fungi as a biological control agent against nematode pests.

Some Nematode Worms Consume Plant Juices from the Roots of Plants