LUCKNOW, April 6 -- The long-standing problem of guava wilt in Uttar Pradesh has worsened in recent years due to the spread of root-knot nematodes, a condition in which the roots of infected trees develop knots, due to microscopic multicellular organisms.

This significantly impacts orchard survival and productivity, scientists at the ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH), Lucknow said on Monday.

According to PK Shukla, department of crop protection, ICAR, "Nematodes were introduced in India with the planting of Thai guava or Taiwan pink guavas in nurseries. From nurseries they spread to new locations." He added, "These are parasites which attack plant roots after entering the roots, suck cell sap. Thus plant nutriti...