Abstract
The genus Pasteuria comprises a truly extraordinary group of unculturable bacteria that are obligate parasites of either water fleas or plant parasitic nematodes. They have an astonishing vegetative morphology that, through an intricate process of differentiation, leads to a structurally unique endospore form. Remarkably, phylogenetic studies indicate that this genus is ancestral to the genus Bacillus. P. penetrans is the most studied species and is a highly specific internal parasite of phytoparasitic nematodes, several hundred species of which are infected. This chapter reviews this parasitic interaction and the concomitant development and multiplication of P. penetrans. The problems encountered and solutions found in carrying out molecular and ecological studies of this organism are also explored. The major goal in studying this bacterium is to exploit its ability to decrease nematode damage to crops and ecosystems. Evidence is presented of experiments demonstrating its ability to cause economically and ecologically valuable suppression of plant parasitic nematodes.
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