Complete Sequence of the Root-Knot Nematode Genome

An international group of researchers have deciphered the complete genome sequence of the southern root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. The root-knot nematode, a biotrophic parasite of many crops, including tomato, cotton and coffee, is responsible for global agricultural losses amounting to more than US$ 150 billion annually. The genome sequence will provide researchers insights into the adaptations required by nematodes to successfully parasitize and counter the defenses of immunocompetent plants.

The nematode genome was sequenced using whole-genome shotgun strategy. 19,212 protein-coding genes were identified, 69 percent of which have sequences almost identical to each other. In addition, the nematode has an unprecedented set of 61 plant cell wall–degrading, carbohydrate-active enzymes, hypothesized to have been derived through multiple horizontal gene transfers from bacterial sources. The scientists are further investigating theses genes as they are likely targets for novel intervention strategies.

Read the full article published by Nature Biotechnology at http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nbt.1482.html