Effective approaches to study the plant-root knot nematode interaction

• Published in: Plant physiology and biochemistry 2019-08, Vol.141, p.332-342
• Main Authors: Ibrahim, Heba M.M., Ahmad, Esraa M., Martínez-Medina, Ainhoa, Aly, Mohammed A.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Meloidogyne; Omics; Parasitism; Plant-nematode interaction; Root knot nematode; siRNA
• ISSN: 0981-9428; 1873-2690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2019.06.009

Plant-parasitic nematodes cause major agricultural losses worldwide. Examining the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-nematode interactions and how plants respond to different invading pathogens is attracting major attention to reduce the expanding gap between agricultural production and the needs of the growing world population. This review summarizes the most recent developments in plant-nematode interactions and the diverse approaches used to improve plant resistance against root knot nematode (RKN). We will emphasize the recent rapid advances in genome sequencing technologies, small interfering RNA techniques (RNAi) and targeted genome editing which are contributing to the significant progress in understanding the plant-nematode interaction mechanisms. Also, molecular approaches to improve plant resistance against nematodes are considered. •RNAi techniques deeply contributed to understand the molecular basis of the interaction between the plant and RKN.•Omics technologies offer a powerful toolset for targeted approaches to understand the interaction between plants and RKNs.•Bioinformatics provides a strong support for identification of components involved in parasitism and the plant response.•· Identifying and characterizing QTLs against RKN will provide valuable tool for breeding programs.•· Long-read sequencing and high-density genetic mapping of RKN genome may reinforce identification of virulence genes.