Genomic Analysis of the Root-Knot Nematode Genome

Abstract

Plant-parasitic nematodes cause substantial agricultural damage throughout the world, triggering as much as $100 billion in economic losses per year. Measures to control these pests are limited and include the use of agrichemicals such as methyl bromide (now available only on a “critical use exemption” basis) or the planting of crops that have natural resistance. However, the availability of chemical pesticides is decreasing and host resistance is limited. A better understanding of the complex interaction between plant-parasitic nematodes and their hosts is needed to develop new control strategies (including new chemicals). The vast majority of the damage is caused by sedentary endoparasitic forms in the order Tylenchida, which fall into clade IV of the Nematoda (Blaxter et al. 1998). In particular, the root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), soybean cyst nematodes (Heterodera glycines), and potato cyst (Globodera spp.) nematodes are devastating parasites of plant roots.