1a.Objectives (from AD-416)
1) Discover nematode proteins and peptides that regulate development, growth and survival, and that provide new targets for controlling nematodes; and.
2)Disrupt the function of steroid- or lipid-based regulatory systems unique to plant-parasitic nematodes and critical for their life processes.

1b.Approach (from AD-416)
1) Identify proteases and peptides that control hatching or molting in soybean cyst nematode and root-knot nematode and evaluate specific molecular inhibitors; and identify regulatory proteins, including membrane receptors, involved in the nematode response to its environment and plant host; and.
2)Isolate and identify lipids and steroids with likely regulatory roles in plant-parasitic nematodes, and elucidate the biochemical pathways involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of these compounds; and develop rational strategies for nematode management based upon the utilization of knowledge about the endogenous bioregulatory lipids or steroids in phytoparasitic nematodes.

3.Progress Report
This project began on February 12, 2007; it progressed from project 1275-22000-196-00D.

4.Accomplishments
A requirement for the development of new nematode controls is the discovery of internal nematode molecules that can be exploited in designing novel, safe nematode control agents. To accelerate this discovery, ARS scientists at Beltsville, Maryland have developed a bioassay system for efficiently screening potentially bioactive molecules on infective nematode juveniles and eggs. The assay is non-destructive, requires small amounts of test material, small numbers of nematodes, is rapid, and can be used to test molecule interactions as well as screening. Information can be generated quickly, and will allow discovery of bioactive molecules and their effects on nematode behavior and development, leading to new strategies for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes. (National Program 303 Component 2: Biology, Ecology, Epidemiology, and Spread of Plant Pathogens and Their Relationships with Hosts and Vectors. Problem Statement 2A: Pathogen Biology, Virulence Determinants, and Genetics of the Pathogen.)

5.Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations
None

6.Technology Transfer

Number of active CRADAs and MTAs	2
Number of web sites managed	1
Number of newspaper articles and other presentations for non-science audiences	2