Potato cyst nematode (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis is the number one regulated plant parasitic nematode and a quarantined pest in the United States and many other countries in the world because it is one of major threats to the potato industry that cause losses in billions annually. The infection of potato/tomato by PCN is characterized by the formation of highly specialized feeding cells in the host that provide the nutrients required for the development and reproduction of the parasite. The molecular mechanism underlying this intimate parasitic relationship is largely unknown but is believed to be mediated by secreted proteins produced in the esophageal gland cells. Due to the presence of different pathotypes among natural PCN populations, there are no effective methods that can be used routinely by farmers to control all PCN infections despite the availability of resistant potato cultivars.
My research focuses on characterization of parasitism genes from PCN that can be used as molecular targets for designing novel control strategies. I have identified several candidate genes that encode putative gland proteins important for nematode parasitism on plants including two genes (GrCLE1 and GrCLE4) that encode proteins homologous to Arabidopsis CLAVATA3/ESR(CLE) ligand proteins. The nematode CLEs may play a role as a molecular mimicry in regulation of certain root meristematic cells that are essential for establishment of feeding sites in the host, a critical step for nematode parasitism of plants. I am now in process of expression profiling, in situ localization and functional characterization of GrCLE1 and GrCLE4 and other candidate genes in G. rostochiensis. Some of preliminary results have been presented to 2007 APS/SON Joint Meeting and two manuscripts are in preparation

Potato cyst nematode (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis is the number one regulated plant parasitic nematode and a quarantined pest in the United States and many other countries in the world because it is one of major threats to the potato industry that cause losses in billions annually. Due to the presence of different pathotypes among natural PCN populations, there are no effective methods that can be used routinely by farmers to control all PCN infections despite the availability of resistant potato cultivars. It is urgent to develop novel strategies to prevent PCN infections and enhancer agricultural productivity in the US.

I have identified several candidate genes that encode putative gland proteins important for nematode parasitism on plants including two genes (GrCLE1 and GrCLE4) that encode proteins homologous to Arabidopsis CLAVATA3/ESR(CLE) ligand proteins. I am now in process of expression profiling, in situ localization and functional characterization of GrCLE1 and GrCLE4 and other candidate genes in G. rostochiensis. Some of preliminary results have been presented to 2007 APS/SON Joint Meeting and two manuscripts are in preparation

The parasitism genes identified need to be further characterized and the potential usefulness in nematode control is still to be determined.