Abstract
TaxonomyPhylum Nematoda; class Chromadorea; order Rhabditida; suborder Tylenchina; infraorder Tylenchomorpha; superfamily Tylenchoidea; family Heteroderidae; subfamily Heteroderinae; Genus Globodera.BiologyPotato cyst nematodes (PCN) are biotrophic, sedentary endoparasitic nematodes. Invasive (second) stage juveniles (J2) hatch from eggs in response to the presence of host root exudates and subsequently locate and invade the host. The nematodes induce the formation of a large, multinucleate syncytium in host roots, formed by fusion of up to 300 root cell protoplasts. The nematodes rely on this single syncytium for the nutrients required to develop through a further three moults to the adult male or female stage. This extended period of biotrophy—between 4 and 6 weeks in total—is almost unparalleled in plant–pathogen interactions. Females remain at the root while adult males revert to the vermiform body plan of the J2 and leave the root to locate and fertilize the female nematodes. The female body forms a cyst that contains the next generation of eggs.Host rangeThe host range of PCN is limited to plants of the Solanaceae family. While the most economically important hosts are potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and aubergine (Solanum melongena), over 170 species of Solanaceae are thought to be potential hosts for PCN (Sullivan et al., 2007).Disease symptomsSymptoms are similar to those associated with nutrient deficiency, such as stunted growth, yellowing of leaves and reduced yields. This absence of specific symptoms reduces awareness of the disease among growers.Disease controlResistance genes (where available in suitable cultivars), application of nematicides, crop rotation. Great effort is put into reducing the spread of PCN through quarantine measures and use of certified seed stocks.Useful websitesGenomic information for PCN is accessible through WormBase ParaSite.
Highlights
Potatoes are among the most important staple food crops
Potato cyst nematodes originated in South America, where they coevolved with their solanaceous host plants
We understand more about the biology of potato cyst nematodes (PCN) and the nature of both the susceptible and resistant host response than ever before
Summary
Potatoes are among the most important staple food crops. They are a major source of carbohydrate and provide more calories, protein, and minerals than any other staple crop. Production is still adversely affected by pests and pathogens, including the potato cyst nematodes (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida. Genome sequences for both G. rostochiensis and G. pallida are available, and both these sequencing projects have included extensive transcriptomic analyses that have allowed identification of genes that play key roles in the interactions of PCN with their hosts (Cotton et al, 2014; Eves-van den Akker et al, 2016).
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