Root-knot nematode parasitism and host response: molecular basis of a sophisticated interaction.
SUMMARY Taxonomy: Eukaryota; Metazoa; Nematoda; Chromadorea; order Tylenchida; Tylenchoidea; Heteroderidae; genus Meloidogyne. Physical properties: Microscopic-non-segmented worms. Meloidogyne species can reproduce by apomixis, facultative meiotic parthenogenesis or obligate mitotic parthenogenesis. Obligate biotrophic parasites inducing the re-differentiation of plant cells into specialized feeding cells. Hosts: Meloidogyne spp. can infest more than 3000 plant species including vegetables, fruit trees, cereals and ornamental flowers.


METHODS
Root swellings called galls. Alteration of the root vascular system. Disease control: Cultural control, chemical control, resistant cultivars. Agronomic importance: Major threat to agriculture in temperate and tropical regions.
Abad
Pierre
P
INRA, Unité Interactions Plantes-Microorganismes et Santé Végétale, 123 Bd. Francis Meilland, BP2078, 06606 Antibes Cedex, France.
Favery
Bruno
B
Rosso
Marie-Noëlle
MN
Castagnone-Sereno
Philippe
P