Transgenic Strategies for Enhancement of Nematode Resistance in Plants.

Muhammad A Ali,Hongjie Li,Faiz A Joyia,Abdelfattah A Dababat,Amjad Abbas,Farrukh Azeem

doi:10.3389/fpls.2017.00750

Abstract

Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are obligate biotrophic parasites causing serious damage and reduction in crop yields. Several economically important genera parasitize various crop plants. The root-knot, root lesion, and cyst nematodes are the three most economically damaging genera of PPNs on crops within the family Heteroderidae. It is very important to devise various management strategies against PPNs in economically important crop plants. Genetic engineering has proven a promising tool for the development of biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants. Additionally, the genetic engineering leading to transgenic plants harboring nematode resistance genes has demonstrated its significance in the field of plant nematology. Here, we have discussed the use of genetic engineering for the development of nematode resistance in plants. This review article also provides a detailed account of transgenic strategies for the resistance against PPNs. The strategies include natural resistance genes, cloning of proteinase inhibitor coding genes, anti-nematodal proteins and use of RNA interference to suppress nematode effectors. Furthermore, the manipulation of expression levels of genes induced and suppressed by nematodes has also been suggested as an innovative approach for inducing nematode resistance in plants. The information in this article will provide an array of possibilities to engineer resistance against PPNs in different crop plants.

Highlights

The word ‘nematode’ comes from the Greek word ‘nema,’ which means thread
We have focused on the most recent literature on Plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) with the emphasis on the use of different conventional and transgenic approaches to manage PPNs in different plant species of economic importance
Reducedreproductive success of PPNs coupled with disruption of chemosensory function of invading J2s

Summary

Introduction

The word ‘nematode’ comes from the Greek word ‘nema,’ which means thread. Nematodes are thread like, long, cylindrical, sometimes microscopic worms, which can be found in a variety of environments. Tripathi et al, 2015, 2017 resistance studies are CpTI (Hepher and Atkinson, 1992), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) serine PI (sporamin or SpTI-1) (Cai et al, 2003), PIN2 (Vishnudasan et al, 2005), rice (Oryza sativa) cystatin (Oc-I D86) (Urwin et al, 1997, 1998), and some others cystatins from maize (Zea mays), taro (Colocasia esculenta), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) (Fuller et al, 2008; Chan et al, 2015).

Results

Conclusion