Unmasking the Cyst Nematode's Mode of Action

Cyst nematode, a group of microscopic worms that feed on root cells, is a devastating pest of many important agricultural crops. The nematodes penetrate roots during their juvenile stage where they produce secretions resulting to production of deformations, large cell-like masses, called syncytia. These masses provide the nematodes with nutrients necessary for their growth and development. Because of suppressed root growth, crop yield is greatly reduced. The soybean cyst nematode is estimated to cost US $1 billion in crop loss annually in the United States alone.

Researchers from the University of Missouri and Iowa State University studied the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of syncytia cells in soybean by gene expression profiling. They found out that numerous genes, mostly coding for proteins essential for cell wall formation, are compromised by the interplay of different plant hormones during the early stage of nematode infection. The production of a jasmonic acid, a plant defense hormone, was also inhibited. They also observed that just two days after syncytium formation, more than 1,765 soybean genes have changed expression.

The result of the study provides the most comprehensive gene expression profile associated with root syncytia formation. Future researches on this area may lead to new management techniques, through biotechnology, to control these pests.

Read more at http://www.csrees.usda.gov/newsroom/impact/2008/nri/01081_nematode_soybean.html