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Apomictic, polyphagous root-knot nematodes: exceptionally successful and damaging biotrophic root pathogens
1Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, Scotland DD2 5DA. dtrudg@scri.sari.ac.uk
Annual Review of Phytopathology
|November 10, 2001
Summary
Most root-knot nematodes (RKN) are damaging crop pathogens with wide host ranges, likely due to agricultural spread and hybrid origins. Their ability to adapt suggests apomixis doesn't prevent evolution, with fitness and host range being key evolutionary priorities.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Nematology
Background:
- Apomictic root-knot nematodes (RKN; Meloidogyne spp.) are significant agricultural pests with broad host ranges.
- The origins and evolutionary history of polyphagous RKN species, such as Meloidogyne incognita, are not well understood.
- Evidence suggests a recent, hybrid origin for closely related RKN species, implying agricultural dissemination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolutionary pressures and mechanisms maintaining the wide host range of RKN.
- To investigate the role of apomixis in RKN evolution and adaptation.
- To understand the interaction between RKN, host resistance, and parasitic organisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on RKN biology, evolution, and host interactions.
- Analysis of factors contributing to RKN pathogenicity and distribution.
- Consideration of laboratory vs. field evolutionary dynamics.
Main Results:
- Polyphagous RKN species likely owe their global distribution to agricultural practices.
- Apomixis may conserve a wide host range as an evolutionary strategy for maintaining general fitness.
- RKN may overcome host resistance through mechanisms like suppressing induced susceptibility.
- Evolutionary pressures from parasitic bacteria and host resistance can drive RKN adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Greater coordination of fundamental research on RKN is needed.
- Understanding RKN evolution requires considering both field and laboratory conditions.
- The wide host range of RKN is a complex trait influenced by multiple factors, including agricultural spread and potential suppression of host defenses.