Maize root response to the presence of entomopathogenic nematodes in the soil.

The direct impact of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) on plant metabolism is still poorly understood. We analyzed transcriptomic responses in maize roots exposed to EPNs for 6, 24, and 72 hours, using 2,000 Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes per treatment (n = 5). Results revealed a dynamic metabolic shift, indicating resource reallocation toward chemical defenses. Although the overall response was modest as reflected by a limited number of differentially expressed genes (>200 reads). This data confirm that maize roots react to EPN presence, potentially influencing belowground interactions.