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Title: Reproduction, Physiology and Biochemistry

Author
item Chitwood, David
item PERRY, ROLAND - ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH, UK

Submitted to: Root-Knot Nematodes
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/9/2009
Publication Date: 12/15/2009
Citation: Chitwood, D.J., Perry, R.N. 2009. Reproduction, physiology and biochemistry. In: Perry, R.N., Moens, M., Starr, J.L., editors. Root-Knot Nematodes. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. p. 182-200.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: This chapter focuses on the reproduction, physiology, and biochemistry of the root-knot nematodes. The extensive amount of information on the reproduction and cytogenetics of species of Meloidogyne contrasts with the limited information on physiology, biochemistry, and biochemical pathways. In common with other species of plant-parasitic nematodes, the obligate parasitism and small size of Meloidogyne make research on physiology and traditional biochemistry challenging. This chapter summarizes the reproductive strategies of species of Meloidogyne and the data available on aspects of the physiology, biochemistry and sensory biology. Recent advances in experimental techniques, especially in genome sequencing, proteomics and metabolomics, are generating large amounts of data relating to physiology and biochemistry in other nematodes. The completion of the M. incognita and M. hapla genomics projects in 2008 presages an exciting future for elucidating their biological systems. Although the ability to identify candidate parasitism genes is one obvious outcome of this research, rapid insight should accrue with respect to the basic biochemical mechanisms that, for example, permit reproductive success through varied reproductive strategies mediated by differing cytogenetics. Moreover, the information gained should lead to environmentally benign nematode control strategies.